The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t anticipate their offense would struggle so significantly this season, especially after focusing on revamping the pitching staff over the winter.
This year’s Cardinal lineup has been notably inconsistent and power-deprived, currently ranking 21st in the league with 131 home runs and 24th with 510 runs scored.
To return to playoff contention, St. Louis will need to enhance its offensive power this offseason, and acquiring a highly sought-after slugger could be key.
Recently, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander has been linked to the Cardinals as a potential major offseason acquisition, according to Mark Feinsand’s article on top 2025 free agents.
Santander is having a standout season, hitting .239 with 59 extra-base hits, including 37 home runs, 82 RBIs, and an .834 OPS in 121 games for the Orioles.
At 29 years old, Santander is enjoying the best season of his career just as he heads into free agency. Given his impressive 2024 performance, he is expected to command a substantial contract this winter.
Over his eight seasons with Baltimore, the switch-hitter has posted a .247 average with 304 extra-base hits, including 148 home runs, 415 RBIs, and a .778 OPS.
Santander’s rare combination of power and switch-hitting could be a game-changer for the Cardinals, who have struggled against left-handed pitching this season. Adding his right-handed bat could provide a significant boost.
The Cardinals’ fan base deserves more than another mediocre season, and hopefully, the front office will be proactive this winter to ensure a stronger 2025 campaign.