3 John Mozeliak moves that came back to haunt the Cardinals, and one that worked out

Mozeliak haunting move for Cardinals: Adolis Garcia

The Cardinals traded outfield prospect Ardolis Garcia to the Rangers for cash considerations. The Cardinals wanted to create space on the 40-man roster for Kwan-Hyun Kim.

Kim was an exciting signing from South Korea, but he dealt with lower back issues throughout his time with the Cardinals. He was with the Cardinals through the Covid-19 shortened 2020 season and 2021. Due to the pandemic, his family could not visit him in the United States in 2020. He was dealing with his health concerns plus a case of homesickness. It was unfortunate, but he was a fan favorite.

Garcia hit .253/.301/.517 with 32 home runs for AAA Memphis before the Rangers trade. This season, Garcia’s stats for the Rangers may cause more pain for Cardinals fans. He’s hitting .263/.333/.510 with an OPS of .843, 20 home runs and 66 RBI.

Now think about the stats of the Cardinals outfielders. And try not to cry. Garcia isn’t a free agent until 2027.

Mozeliak was looking to bring an exciting pitch to the United States. He didn’t know a global pandemic would slash into the 2020 season. He was getting rid of some outfield glut. But in hindsight, it was another terrible decision in talent evaluation.