The Cardinals are reportedly nearing a deal with infielder Ramón Urías, a move that could add valuable depth to their infield. While the specifics of the contract are still under wraps, it's clear that St. Louis will need to make room on their full 40-man roster if this becomes a major league agreement.
Urías, set to turn 32 in June, has carved out a reputation as a versatile player over six seasons in the big leagues. Most recently with the Orioles and then the Astros, Urías has made 1,856 plate appearances, hitting 50 home runs and maintaining a .257/.321/.403 batting line. This translates to a 104 wRC+, making him slightly above average offensively.
However, it's his defensive prowess that truly stands out. Primarily a third baseman, Urías has also shown capability across the infield.
While shortstop might be a stretch, his performance at third base earned him the American League Gold Glove in 2022, with impressive metrics like 14 Defensive Runs Saved and eight Outs Above Average. Although recent stats show a slight dip, his work at second base remains well-regarded.
Last season was a bit of a struggle at the plate for Urías, who posted a .241/.292/.384 line, resulting in an 87 wRC+. Despite Houston having the option to retain him via arbitration with a projected $4.4 million salary, they opted to non-tender him.
For the Cardinals, Urías could be a crucial piece in rebuilding their infield depth. The team has been in transition, having traded away key players like Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, and Willson Contreras.
This has opened up opportunities for younger talent, with Masyn Winn expected at shortstop and Alec Burleson at first base. The other infield spots remain more fluid, with Nolan Gorman likely to take over third base, though he has experience at second as well.
JJ Wetherholt is a contender for second base, though he has yet to make his major league debut.
In addition to the leading candidates, the Cards have José Fermín, Thomas Saggese, Bryan Torres, and César Prieto on their 40-man roster, none of whom have extensive big league experience. With options available, these players might see more time in the minors unless they secure regular roles in the majors. Gorman, too, has options and is looking to bounce back from two challenging seasons at the plate.
In a lineup of relatively untested players, performance can be unpredictable, and injuries are always a possibility. Urías, despite a recent dip in his batting numbers, brings veteran reliability. Should he find his form, he could not only provide stability but also become a valuable trade asset for the Cardinals as they continue their rebuild.