5 bench options the St. Louis Cardinals should consider after the lockout

Oliver Marmol #37 of the St Louis Cardinals watches game action against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on March 16, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Nationals defeated the Cardinals 4-2. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
Oliver Marmol #37 of the St Louis Cardinals watches game action against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on March 16, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Nationals defeated the Cardinals 4-2. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Kevin Pillar #11 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 08, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Kevin Pillar #11 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 08, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Kevin Pillar

Speaking of providing leadership to younger players, Kevin Pillar could perfectly fill that role for the Cardinals.

Over the years, Pillar has been more of a defensive asset as he’s able to play all outfield positions with a career .991 fielding percentage and 52 defensive runs saved. He would not be a candidate to replace Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader, or Dylan Carlson, but he definitely could assist. Pillar could spell O’Neill if he were plugged in as a designated hitter. He could also assist in other situations.

Pillar has hit .260/.297/.409 with 97 homers and 92 stolen bases over his career spanning seven seasons.

Pillar is a free agent that the Cardinals should connect with once the lockout ends as he would be a good situational option for Marmol.