St. Louis Cardinals: Five Remaining Free Agents Who Could Be Serviceable Additions

4. Sam Fuld

For a roster that ranked sixth in errors last year, including five from the starting outfielders, a defensive specialist such as Fuld could be a valuable addition. Unfortunately, he might not be ready to play immediately due to his ongoing recovery from rotator cuff surgery last April, but it could bring out more competition out of Tommy Pham, the team’s current fourth outfielder.

The intangibles that Fuld could bring to the Cardinals when healthy are pieces of the game that have proved weak for the team in recent years. He draws a walk about every ten at-bats on average, averages a steal at about the same rate and has compiled twenty-nine outfield assists over eight seasons in primarily bench roles. His athleticism alone has resulted in several highlight-reel defensive plays.

Likeliness: Minor league deal possible, but not likely

Considering Fuld missed all of last season with his rotator cuff injury, a return to baseball would likely come on behalf of a minor league deal where he could regain health and potentially work his way up.