Chaim Bloom is still actively working to complete the construction of the St. Louis Cardinals’ roster for the 2026 season, signaling that the team isn’t quite done making moves. While a large portion of the roster has been set, Bloom’s focus now is on filling specific gaps that can enhance the team’s versatility and depth.
One of the primary areas he’s targeting is a right-handed hitter capable of covering multiple positions—specifically, someone who can play both corner infield positions as well as the corner spots in the outfield. This type of player would be highly valuable because the Cardinals already have right-handed hitters occupying some of these spots.
With Alec Burleson, Nolan Gorman, and Lars Nootbaar entrenched in three of these corner positions and all batting from the right side of the plate, acquiring a right-handed platoon bat would provide balance to the lineup, creating better matchups against left-handed pitching and giving manager Bloom some flexibility in late-game scenarios.
Beyond just positional flexibility and handedness, there’s an additional wrinkle Bloom is considering: experience. Ideally, this potential addition would be a veteran who not only can fill multiple positions but also bring leadership and mentorship to a relatively young roster. The Cardinals have a core group of young players who are either emerging or in the process of establishing themselves, and having a seasoned veteran on the field could help accelerate their development.
A player with years of Major League experience would be able to offer guidance during long stretches of the season, provide insight in the clubhouse, and help the team navigate the ups and downs that inevitably come over the course of a 162-game schedule. In short, the ideal target for Bloom is a multifaceted, experienced right-handed hitter who can play anywhere along the corners and serve as a stabilizing presence for younger teammates both on and off the field.
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One name that has been floated in discussions about potential free agent acquisitions is Harrison Bader. Bader, who has had a productive career as an outfielder, particularly stood out during the 2025 season with impressive offensive and defensive contributions. His performance last year made him a coveted commodity, which is why many analysts have suggested he could be a fit for a team like St. Louis.
However, the reality is that Bader’s recent success likely puts him out of reach for the Cardinals in terms of both salary and contract length. Teams often have to weigh the cost of signing a high-performing free agent against their budgetary constraints, and in Bader’s case, the expected multi-year, high-dollar contract may be more than St. Louis is willing or able to commit to at this stage.
Consequently, Bloom’s options in the open market are narrower than they might initially appear. The pool of available right-handed hitters who offer corner position versatility but won’t break the bank is limited, which means Bloom has to be selective and strategic in his approach.
Given these constraints, the Cardinals’ search has necessarily turned toward other veterans who might meet their criteria. In this context, Jon Heyman has reported that the team has expressed interest in Miguel Andujar. Andujar brings a profile that aligns closely with what Bloom is seeking: he’s a player capable of handling all four corner positions, providing a rare level of defensive versatility.
For the Cardinals, this kind of flexibility is invaluable because it allows them to mix and match players throughout the season without significantly weakening any particular position. Andujar has spent multiple years in the Major Leagues, giving him the experience needed to serve as a mentor, and he has demonstrated the ability to hit right-handed pitching, which could complement the lineup’s existing right-handed hitters.
Andujar’s versatility is particularly notable because few free agents on the market can cover the entire spectrum of corner positions at a professional level. In addition to playing first and third base, he has experience in both corner outfield spots, making him a potential solution to several of the Cardinals’ roster needs simultaneously.
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This level of flexibility allows the team to adjust on the fly if injuries occur, if a player struggles offensively, or if strategic matchups dictate defensive substitutions. Bloom’s pursuit of Andujar, therefore, is not just about adding another bat; it’s about securing a multi-dimensional piece that enhances both the lineup and the defensive alignment.
Experience is another critical factor in Andujar’s appeal. The Cardinals have invested heavily in developing young talent in recent seasons, and while these players bring energy and potential, they are still learning the nuances of Major League competition. A veteran like Andujar can provide guidance on everything from plate discipline and defensive positioning to handling the mental grind of a long season.
This mentorship component is often undervalued in front-office planning, but it can be crucial to accelerating player development and sustaining a competitive environment. With younger players such as Gorman and Nootbaar still establishing themselves, having a seasoned teammate available to offer insight both on and off the field could be instrumental in helping the Cardinals maintain consistency over the long haul.
Furthermore, the Cardinals’ approach illustrates a broader strategic philosophy: rather than chasing a single high-profile star who may demand a premium salary, Bloom appears to be focused on identifying value and fit.
By targeting a player who can cover multiple positions, contribute offensively, and bring veteran leadership, the team maximizes the impact of its investment while maintaining roster flexibility. In a division as competitive as the National League Central, having players who can fill multiple roles effectively can be the difference between being a contender and falling short.
Of course, landing a player like Andujar is not guaranteed. The free-agent market is competitive, and other clubs are likely evaluating similar needs. Additionally, negotiations will have to address both salary expectations and contract length, ensuring that the deal aligns with the Cardinals’ financial and roster-building priorities. Bloom’s challenge is to balance these factors, securing a player who meets the team’s immediate needs while preserving long-term flexibility.
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In summary, the Cardinals’ pursuit of a right-handed, multi-positional veteran hitter underscores the team’s commitment to building a balanced and versatile roster. With Burleson, Gorman, and Nootbaar already anchoring several corner positions, adding a complementary right-handed bat would round out the lineup and improve matchups.
Harrison Bader, though productive, may be financially out of reach, leaving the pool of suitable free agents limited. Miguel Andujar, however, represents an attractive target due to his ability to play all four corner positions and provide valuable experience and leadership. By seeking a player with both versatility and a veteran presence, Bloom aims to not only strengthen the roster in 2026 but also foster the development of the younger core, creating a team capable of sustained competitiveness in the years to come.
Jon Heyman links the St. Louis Cardinals to veteran outfielder Miguel Andujar.
On Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post shared on Twitter/X that Miguel Andújar has become a sought-after commodity in Major League Baseball this offseason. According to Heyman, multiple teams looking to bolster their roster with a right-handed bat have shown interest in the versatile infielder and outfielder, whose consistent offensive output makes him an attractive option for clubs aiming to improve both depth and situational hitting.
Among the franchises reportedly linked to Andújar for the upcoming 2026 season are the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and the Oakland Athletics, highlighting the widespread appeal of a player who combines experience, positional flexibility, and above-average offensive production.
Miguel Andújar, who will turn 31 in early March, has spent nine seasons in the Major Leagues, establishing himself as a reliable contributor both at the plate and across multiple positions on the field. His career has been defined by his ability to adapt to various roles, offering clubs the luxury of using him as a corner infielder or as an outfielder when roster construction or injuries demand flexibility. In the 2025 season, Andújar split his time between the Athletics and the Cincinnati Reds, providing a consistent offensive presence despite the midseason transition.
Over the course of that campaign, he posted a .318 batting average, paired with a .352 on-base percentage and a .470 slugging percentage, resulting in a solid .822 OPS (on-base plus slugging). Additionally, he tallied 10 home runs and 44 runs batted in (RBI), accompanied by a 125 OPS+, marking the second-highest production level of his career and underscoring his ability to maintain performance even amid changes in team context and playing environment.
Beyond his batting prowess, Andújar’s versatility on defense further enhances his value. Throughout the 2025 season, he appeared at multiple positions on the field, logging 237.2 innings at third base, 217 innings in left field, 22 innings in right field, and 13 innings at first base. This extensive spread of experience highlights his capability to cover a variety of roles depending on a team’s immediate needs, whether that be filling in for an injured starter or providing strategic matchups off the bench.
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While his defensive metrics have historically been below average, clubs interested in Andújar are primarily focused on his bat rather than his glove. His ability to slot into different positions without significantly weakening the lineup provides managers with flexibility, especially in high-leverage situations where offensive production is the priority.
An analysis of Andújar’s offensive contributions reveals particular strength against left-handed pitching. While he performed well overall against all pitchers during the 2025 season, his numbers against southpaws stand out.
Against left-handed pitchers, Andújar posted a remarkable .389 batting average, a .409 on-base percentage, and a .589 slugging percentage, resulting in a 171 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). For perspective, wRC+ measures a player’s total offensive value and adjusts for park factors and league averages, with 100 representing league-average production.
Andújar’s 171 wRC+ against left-handers signals elite-level performance, making him an ideal platoon option or pinch-hitting specialist. Teams that have experienced the departure of key right-handed corner infielders, such as the St. Louis Cardinals with Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras being traded over the winter, could benefit significantly from a player like Andújar.
Even if he is not slated to receive the same volume of playing time as those departed stars, his presence provides a reliable right-handed bat in the lineup and a high-leverage option against left-handed pitchers, reinforcing a team’s offensive depth.
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The Cardinals, in particular, could find Andújar’s skill set especially beneficial. In the 2025 season, St. Louis ranked 16th in wRC+ against left-handed pitchers, posting a mark of just 97. Adding a hitter like Andújar—who thrives against southpaws—would address one of the club’s most glaring offensive deficiencies, providing a targeted solution that improves situational hitting without requiring a blockbuster trade.
In practical terms, Andújar could serve as a bench bat capable of producing in critical moments, a platoon partner for a starting corner infielder, or even a semi-regular contributor depending on the manager’s needs. His lefty-heavy splits would allow the team to strategically optimize matchups throughout the season, turning a historically underperforming segment into a potential offensive advantage.
Financially, Andújar’s projected contract demands remain reasonable, making him an attractive free agent target for teams balancing roster needs with payroll considerations. Both FanGraphs and Spotrac estimate that Andújar could command a one-year deal worth between $5 million and $6 million for the 2026 season.
While modest by the standards of star players, such a figure aligns with Andújar’s profile as a veteran contributor whose primary value comes from consistency and platoon effectiveness rather than elite defensive skills. Additionally, the Cardinals—or any team signing him—could potentially enhance the appeal of the contract by including an option for 2027, possibly featuring an opt-out clause worth around $500,000.
This type of arrangement provides both player and team with flexibility: Andújar has the security of guaranteed money in 2026 and the ability to reassess his options for 2027, while the team gains the chance to retain a productive contributor if he continues to perform well, or to move on without significant financial burden if the fit is not ideal.
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It is worth noting that while discussions linking Andújar to the Cardinals and other teams are still largely speculative, there is precedent and internal alignment within St. Louis that make the potential acquisition plausible. Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals’ executive overseeing roster construction and acquisitions, has repeatedly emphasized the desire to add a right-handed hitter as one of the final pieces of the team’s offseason strategy.
Following the signings of pitchers Dustin May and Ryne Stanek, who were brought on to strengthen the pitching staff and bullpen, the club’s offensive focus has shifted toward filling remaining gaps—particularly for situational hitting and lineup balance. In this context, Andújar’s profile aligns neatly with organizational priorities, offering a low-risk, high-reward addition that could round out the Cardinals’ reconstructed roster for 2026.
Andújar’s appeal extends beyond just raw offensive numbers. His career demonstrates a pattern of adaptability and resilience, traits that are invaluable over the course of a long MLB season. Having transitioned between multiple teams and handled midseason trades, Andújar has maintained a consistent level of production, suggesting a mental and professional maturity that teams value when integrating a new player into their clubhouse environment.
Furthermore, his ability to handle multiple defensive positions, despite below-average fielding metrics, reduces the logistical challenges of incorporating him into an active roster. Managers are afforded the freedom to deploy him in various scenarios—whether as a pinch hitter, a substitute fielder, or even a starter in case of injury—without necessitating major adjustments elsewhere on the roster.
In terms of long-term impact, Andújar offers teams a unique combination of versatility, offensive capability, and experience. As a 31-year-old entering what is typically considered the prime period for a hitter with his profile, he can provide several years of productive contributions if health and performance trends continue.
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Even a single season of high-level output, particularly against left-handed pitching, can materially impact a team’s overall performance and provide incremental wins that may be the difference in a tight divisional race. Teams like the Cardinals, who have historically relied on a balanced approach to roster construction and have experienced the loss of key right-handed corner infielders, stand to benefit from the nuanced contributions of a player like Andújar.
Moreover, Andújar’s marketability and professional narrative add to his value. As a veteran who has overcome obstacles—including midseason trades, defensive challenges, and the natural fluctuations of athletic performance—he embodies the type of player who can serve as a positive presence in the clubhouse.
His ability to mentor younger players, share insights from a nearly decade-long career in the majors, and maintain professionalism under changing circumstances contributes intangible benefits that extend beyond the box score. For teams seeking both immediate on-field production and a stabilizing influence in the clubhouse, these qualities make Andújar an appealing addition.
The broader market context further underscores Andújar’s value. Teams across the league are actively seeking right-handed hitters who can provide depth and flexibility, creating competition for versatile players who can slot into multiple roles.
The inclusion of franchises such as the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and Athletics on Heyman’s list of interested teams highlights the widespread recognition of Andújar’s skill set.
For the Cardinals, who are actively constructing a roster aimed at immediate competitiveness in the National League, securing a player like Andújar represents an opportunity to address multiple needs with a single signing: improving offensive performance against left-handed pitching, enhancing bench depth, and providing strategic flexibility across infield and outfield positions.
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In practical terms, the acquisition of Andújar would likely have several immediate effects on the Cardinals’ 2026 season. He could be utilized in a platoon role alongside younger right-handed corner infielders or outfielders, giving the team the ability to maximize favorable matchups. He could serve as a dependable pinch hitter in late-game situations, especially against left-handed pitchers, offering a high on-base percentage and the potential for timely extra-base hits.
Even if limited to part-time usage, Andújar’s presence would allow the manager to rotate the lineup more effectively, reducing fatigue among regular starters and increasing overall offensive output. Over the course of a full season, such contributions can translate into meaningful gains in win probability, especially in a division as competitive as the National League.
While the exact terms of any potential deal are still in negotiation, it is reasonable to anticipate that Andújar could command a one-year contract in the $5 million to $6 million range, with potential incentives or options for future seasons. This level of investment aligns well with the Cardinals’ current payroll structure, allowing the team to strengthen its bench and platoon options without sacrificing financial flexibility for other strategic moves.
The potential addition of an opt-out clause or a 2027 team option provides both sides with additional security, balancing risk and reward and ensuring that the agreement reflects Andújar’s value while remaining manageable for the organization.
In conclusion, Miguel Andújar represents a multifaceted addition for any team seeking a right-handed hitter with a proven track record of offensive production, positional versatility, and experience in navigating the complexities of Major League Baseball.
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With strong performance against left-handed pitching, adaptability across multiple positions, and the ability to contribute in both starting and bench roles, he addresses several pressing needs for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, who are in the process of reshaping their roster for the 2026 season.
As discussions continue and interest from multiple franchises persists, it is increasingly likely that Andújar will find a role on a roster where his combination of skills, experience, and situational effectiveness can be fully leveraged.
For the Cardinals, adding a player of Andújar’s caliber would not only enhance their lineup strategically but also provide flexibility and depth that could be crucial in a tightly contested National League, positioning them to compete more effectively and address the gaps left by offseason departures.
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