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Cardinals DH Candidates
Internal
1. Lars Nootbaar
2. Nolan Gorman
3. Juan Yepez
External
1. Kyle Schwarber
2. Joc Pederson
After a couple of down years for Joc, this could be a low-risk high reward option for the Cardinals. However, Pederson will turn 30 this season, meaning his value will start to decline despite still having several quality years of hitting left in him. If the Cardinals could snag him at a discount after the past two seasons, and Joc were to return to his consistent 25 homer power with above average OPS, the Cardinals could have a fit in the DH role for the foreseeable future. However, similar to Schwarber, expect the Cardinals to make some moves with younger bats if they sign Pederson.
3. Albert Pujols
The Cardinals Have DH Options
Regardless of whom the Cardinals opt to pencil in for the DH role, it will be an interesting subplot to follow throughout the year. It provides a new way for National League teams to manipulate personnel decisions on a game-to-game basis. It may also allow prospects to get to the big leagues quicker and more often due to the need for an extra bat in the lineup. Expect the Cardinals to use the DH to rotate defensive lineups to get critical players to rest while keeping their bats in the lineup and to provide more at-bats for fringe-starters.
Main Image
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Players Mentioned
Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman, Nolan Arenado, Tommy Edman, Paul DeJong, Edmundo Sosa, Juan Yepez, Kyle Schwarber, Joc Pederson, Albert Pujols
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