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

Feb 21, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny (left) talks with Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak (right) during practice drills at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny (left) talks with Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak (right) during practice drills at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians outfielder Coco Crisp scores a run against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians outfielder Coco Crisp scores a run against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Coco Crisp

Once a prospect in the Cardinals minor league system, Crisp was traded for a half-season of veteran pitcher Chuck Finley in 2002. Since then, he has produced double-digit steals in fourteen consecutive seasons, played significant roles for six postseason teams and finished within the Top 20 of AL MVP voting as recent as 2013.

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Similar to Fuld, Crisp may see fewer opportunities in his mid-30’s and would likely be more of an insurance chip with the Cardinals current outfield plan involving Dexter Fowler, Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty. But recent breakout performances from Crisp in the Cleveland Indians’ World Series last year run may prompt the team that drafted Crisp to at least consider the thought of adding a profound switch-hitter.

Likeliness: Very doubtful

A push for Crisp would seem more likely had Fowler not signed with the Cardinals, but even if he adapted to a bench role, a role with St. Louis only seems possible if an injury to one of the three starting outfielders arises.

Next: St. Louis Cardinals: New Year Resolutions

Whether the St. Louis Cardinals feel the need to upgrade depth on the mound or the bench, several members of the remaining free agent class provide low-risk, high-reward potential. These deals may not be immediate, but the team still has a little less than three months to decide if any players from this crop are worthwhile come Opening Day.