The St. Louis Cardinals are strategizing for the upcoming season, particularly focusing on bolstering their lineup with an additional right-handed bat following their trades of Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras. Currently, the team features a wealth of left-handed hitters, but the presence of only a few righties could pose challenges. Among those expected to take the field are Iván Herrera, Masyn Winn, and Jordan Walker, with Thomas Saggese and Pedro Pagés also likely to see playing time.
Reports indicate that the Cardinals are one of several teams showing “significant interest” in outfielder Miguel Andújar, who has made a name for himself following a strong 2025 season where he achieved a .318 batting average and an .822 on-base plus slugging percentage. Jon Heyman of the New York Post highlighted the intrigue surrounding Andújar, noting that multiple teams, including the Rangers, Padres, Reds, Cubs, and A’s, are in the mix to acquire him.
In 2025, Andújar played 94 games and showcased impressive versatility, filling roles at first base, third base, and both corner outfield positions. This flexibility is particularly appealing to the Cardinals as they adjust their roster after the exits of Arenado and Contreras. With Arenado’s departure leaving an opening at third base and Contreras’ trade prompting a reevaluation of their lineup, the addition of a player with Andújar’s skill set could significantly enhance team dynamics.
Andújar’s solid track record—a career batting average of .282 over 467 games—makes him a viable candidate for the Cardinals’ needs. As the team seeks to create a more balanced lineup before the 2026 season, pursuing Andújar could prove to be a pivotal move that strengthens their overall competitiveness. The excitement surrounding his potential addition adds a hopeful outlook for the Cardinals as they aim to refine their roster for future success.