One less offensive option for St. Louis Cardinals to consider after lockout

With Kyle Seager announcing his retirement, there’s one less offensive option for the St. Louis Cardinals to consider after the lockout.

As the St. Louis Cardinals search for infield and offensive depth, they have been connected to free agents such as Colin Moran and Brad Miller, two veterans who are expected to command cheap one-year contracts.

While Kyle Seager fits the veteran description, he would have commanded a more lucrative one-year deal. He fit what the Cardinals are looking for, however, as he is a left-handed bat with power and has the ability to play third base and be a designated hitter if the National League implements it next year, as expected.

Earlier this week, Seager announced his retirement, putting an end to already slim chances that he would play in St. Louis next season.

Even if the Cardinals were interested in Seager, the only way they would have gotten him consistent at-bats is in the designated hitter role. Would they have wanted to pay him, say, $10+ million per season to be a limited player when they 1) have Nolan Arenado at third base and 2) more pressing needs, especially in the bullpen?

Unlikely. But Seager retiring means one less option for the Cardinals when the lockout is over. It’s worth noting that Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who has covered the team for 40+ years, has mentioned Moran as a fit multiple times in recent weeks. Maybe that’s a coincidence, maybe it’s not. But it would appear that he’s at least someone on president of baseball operations John Mozeliak’s radar.

That said, adding a player of Seager’s caliber to this Cardinals lineup would have been a lot of fun. Even in his age-33 season, he hit 35 home runs (a new career high), although he hit a mediocre .212/.285/.438 in 670 plate appearances.

Alas, it just wasn’t meant to be. All the best to Seager in retirement.