St. Louis Cardinals Hot Stove: Five trade candidates at first base

Potential Trade Partner #3: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers were another team plagued by poor defense last year. Only the Pittsburgh Pirates and Athletics made more errors in 2015. Six of them came from center fielders and their .987 was fifth lowest among all Major League centerfielders. So they could use a little defense out there.

The Rangers relief corps was another weakness. Their 63 homers surrendered was fourth-

Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

highest in the Major Leagues, and their 4.12 ERA wasn’t great, either. Shawn Tolleson, their closer, wasn’t bad but wasn’t great, either. A 2.99 ERA doesn’t exactly say, “dominant.” Honestly, it’s a miracle that team reached the postseason.

First base, however, is a position of strength. They have Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder flip flopping between there and designated hitter. But meanwhile, power-hitting prospect Joey Gallo, also a corner infielder, is slated for an outfield spot thanks mostly to the presence of Adrian Beltre.

Of that foursome, Moreland is probably the most realistic target.

Next: Trade Partner #4: Tampa Bay Rays