6 free agents the St. Louis Cardinals should consider

Joc Pederson

The legend of Joc Pederson definitely grew this season.

Once Pederson was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Atlanta Braves at the trade deadline, the baseball world saw the athlete as a tremendous asset in situational moments. In 2021, Pederson hit .238/.310/.422 with a +94 wRC. He had 19 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, and 61 RBI in 137 games played. He walked 39 times and had two stolen bases.

He isn’t someone you want in your lineup every day as he has ground into nine double plays and struck out 117 times. For his career, he has -8 defensive runs saved. Yikes.

But when he puts on his pearl necklace and he’s in a clutch situation, Pederson does click it up a notch. He isn’t someone you would sign long-term – unless you are the Braves and are thankful for what he did for your team in 2021.

For any other team, such as the Cardinals, he would be an interesting situational option off the bench. He would be an option if the team was looking for a veteran player who can provide a clubhouse boost with his personality. He would be a good option as well if the team isn’t feeling too keen on having to depend on youth.

While he may have piqued the interest for a Mike Shildt led team, it’s unclear how a player like Pederson would fit on a team now led by Oliver Marmol. Shildt had a set lineup he used every day. Marmol, on the other hand, has indicated he would set the line up more on situations.

If a player like Pederson is brought on board, it would indicate the team will be full steam ahead on situations. It would not be a case of the manager saying it to appease upper management. If Pederson or a player like him is brought on, the manager, coaches, and team have fully bought into what upper management is wanting with situations.

Pederson was signed to a one-year deal worth $7 million in 2021. Unless the Braves want to reward the player, expect Pederson to get a similar deal where he lands in 2022.