Home / Sports / Cardinals' Third Base Void: Who Will Answer the Call?
Cardinals' Third Base Void: Who Will Answer the Call?
1 Nov
Summary
- Cardinals face third base uncertainty with no standout internal candidates.
- Free agent options like Alec Bohm offer similar profiles to existing players.
- International prospect Teruaki Soto could be a historic signing for the team.
The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a critical decision regarding their third base position as the 2027 season approaches. Several players saw time at the hot corner in 2026, but no clear long-term solution emerged from within the organization.
Internal candidates like Nolan Gorman, Blaze Jordan, and Thomas Saggese present challenges, from potential non-tender status to injury concerns and late-season slumps. While promising prospects like Jesús Báez are developing in the farm system, they are not expected to be ready for the major league roster at the start of next year.
This uncertainty prompts questions about whether the Cardinals will pursue external options, mirroring their strategy from the previous offseason. The free agent market offers names such as Alec Bohm, who, despite mashing lefties, is coming off a statistically weak hitting season and is a poor defender. Other free agents like J.P. Crawford and Edmundo Sosa present similar offensive limitations and defensive concerns.
Alternatively, the Cardinals could explore the trade market. Players like Royce Lewis, who has battled injuries, or even a star like Gunnar Henderson, though likely requiring a steep price, could be options. The team might also consider acquiring a player with potential but who has been inconsistent due to health issues.
A significant international prospect, Japanese third baseman Teruaki Soto, represents another intriguing possibility. Expected to be posted this winter, Soto boasts a strong .851 career OPS in the NPB and could command the largest contract in Cardinals history. However, the team must weigh the immense financial commitment against his unproven MLB performance, especially in their current rebuild phase.
While trades for controlled players or pursuing Soto are not out of the question, the club's President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom, may lean towards a more conservative approach. The most pragmatic path might be to rely on internal development, giving players like Báez, Saggese, Jordan, or Gorman the opportunity to secure the position.
