Reports: St. Louis Cardinals to sign Jhonny Peralta

A 50 game suspension did not stop the St. Louis Cardinals from offering a deal to free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta.
Oct 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta (27) before game four of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Image Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, it’s a multi-year deal. He had been seeking a four-year deal in the $50 million range.

Peter Gammons tweeted the following last night:

At 31, Peralta is a 2-time All-Star with a career line of .268/.330/.425. Last season, he hit .303/.358/.457 despite the suspension. Over 11 seasons with Cleveland and Detroit, he has 156 home runs.

Because he did not receieve a qualifying offer, the Cardinals do not give up a draft pick and will receive a draft pick from whichever team that Carlos Beltran signs with.

With a multi-year deal on the line, I can see Peralta as the Cardinals shortstop until someone like Oscar Mercado is ready to takeover. Getting a shortstop that can play defensively is one thing but finding one that has the ability to hit the ball is different.

With Peralta, the Cardinals have found a shortstop that can play defensively but also one that can hit the ball. I know that Peralta is tied to the Biogenesis scandal. I don’t know exactly which seasons were affected by his using PEDs. If the organization was willing to sign him, I am willing to give John Mozeliak the benefit of the doubt.

What I am assuming is: Mo went after a shortstop that was young and controllable. He was not willing to part with Shelby Miller or some other young power arms in the Cardinals rotation and bullpen. Thus, the organization did not have a choice.