8 free agent duds we’re glad the St. Louis Cardinals didn’t sign

John Mozeliak (right) before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
John Mozeliak (right) before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 01: Josh Reddick #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks tosses his bat after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on August 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 01: Josh Reddick #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks tosses his bat after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on August 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Josh Reddick

Josh Reddick would have been an intriguing option for the Cardinals to have considered for outfield depth and a bat off the bench. After leaving the Houston Astros in free agency in Oct. 2020, Reddick was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in April.

He had been assigned to the D-Backs alternate training site but was called up in late May. He had 158 plate appearances in 54 games. He hit .258/.285/.371 with a +74 wRC.

In his career, he is a .262/.321/.426 hitter with a +104 wRC. He definitely played well below expected. Given the D-Backs cellar-dwelling record of 44-86 in the NL West, this was a definite disappointment. Much like the Cardinals, the D-Backs needed an outfielder with a bat for the bench.

That was not what the D-Backs got from Reddick so it is of little surprise they released him in early August. The New York Mets then signed Reddick to a minor league deal and have him assigned to the Syracuse Mets.

It would be surprising to see Reddick contribute to the Mets down the stretch. Hopefully, Reddick, 34, takes the time to get better and be an option for a team next season.