St. Louis Cardinals: Does Corey Dickerson make sense?

The St. Louis Cardinals have been linked to the Tampa Bay Rays and their closer. Would Corey Dickerson make sense in that package?

In recent days, it was reported that the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays have had discussions about the Rays’ closer, Alex Colome, as discussed in this article. I also think the Rays’ left fielder, Corey Dickerson, would make a lot of sense in a packaged deal.

First, let me point out that I still think the St. Louis Cardinals have a very realistic chance to land Giancarlo Stanton, and if they do, this trade for Dickerson makes a lot less sense.

But, let’s dive into this assuming we don’t land Stanton.

First, his contract is very friendly. He’s arbitration-eligible for the second time in 2018. It’s estimated he’ll make about $6.4 million. Plus, he won’t be a free agent until 2020. So, the St. Louis Cardinals could get at least two cost-controlled years from him.

Statistically, he also makes a lot of sense. In 2016, he slashed .245/.293/.469 for a .761 OPS. He hit 24 homers and drove in 70 runs.

He had a breakout campaign in 2017, making his first all-star game. He slashed .282/.325/.490 for a .815 OPS. He slugged 27 homers and drove in 62 runs, accruing most of his at-bats from the lead-off spot.

He would be another power left-handed bat who could bat lead-off if Matheny wants to move Matt Carpenter down in the order (although I think this experiment should be over – he just hits much better from the top of the order).

According to Fangraphs, Steamer projections have him hitting .259/.310/.462 for a .772 OPS with 26 home runs and 79 RBI in 2018. I think this is low and he will come closer to the 2017 numbers. Regardless, the St. Louis Cardinals would be getting an offensive upgrade over either Randal Grichuk or Stephen Piscotty.

Now… where does he fit defensively? Most of us have probably read this article by Derrick Goold. It appears Dexter Fowler will be moving to a corner outfield position while Tommy Pham prepares to be the center fielder in 2018.

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Fowler has played every single inning of his professional career in center field, so whichever position he plays, it will be new. Corey Dickerson has played the vast majority of his career in left field but has played very limited innings in right. So, it wouldn’t be totally new to play right field. One obviously would have to shift to right field. I would guess it would be Fowler.

The St. Louis Cardinals would probably need to send Piscotty or Grichuk plus at least two top prospects to get Dickerson and Colome.

Obviously, this is involves some speculation. But, it is a trade that I think makes sense for both sides. Honestly, I hope this trade does not happen due to the fact that we land Stanton. But, if we don’t, this trade would be appease me and hopefully the other St. Louis Cardinals faithful.

Next: Cardinals and Mariners trade possibilities

Thanks for reading.

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