Chaim Bloom isn’t done yet. As the Cardinals continue to reshape their 2026 roster, there’s still one piece he’s eyeing to complete the puzzle: a right-handed bat with defensive versatility across the corners – both infield and outfield. That kind of player could help balance a lineup that already features lefty swingers like Alec Burleson, Nolan Gorman, and Lars Nootbaar holding down three of those spots.
The ideal fit? A veteran who not only brings experience but can also mentor a younger core that’s still developing.
And while names like Harrison Bader have floated around, his standout 2025 campaign likely priced him out of St. Louis’ plans.
So, the market narrows – but not completely.
Enter Miguel Andujar.
According to Jon Heyman, the Cardinals are among a handful of teams showing interest in the 31-year-old utility man. Andujar is coming off a quietly productive 2025 season, splitting time between Oakland and Cincinnati, and putting together one of the most efficient years of his career. He slashed .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs, good for a .822 OPS and a 125 OPS+ – his second-best mark in nine big-league seasons.
What makes Andujar particularly intriguing for St. Louis isn’t just the bat – it’s the flexibility.
Last season, he logged innings at first base (13), third base (237.2), left field (217), and right field (22). He’s not going to win a Gold Glove at any of those spots, but that’s not why you bring him in.
His value lies in his ability to move around the diamond and provide right-handed pop off the bench or in a platoon role.
Andujar’s splits against left-handed pitching are especially eye-catching. In 2025, he torched southpaws to the tune of a .389/.409/.589 slash line, translating to a 171 wRC+.
That kind of production would be a welcome addition for a Cardinals lineup that finished middle of the pack (16th) in wRC+ against lefties last year with a mark of 97. It’s also worth noting that the team lost two key right-handed bats this offseason in Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras, both traded as part of the club’s broader retooling effort.
Andujar wouldn’t be expected to replace their production outright – he’s not that kind of player at this stage – but he could fill a valuable role as a matchup-specific hitter and steady veteran presence. Think of him more as a specialist: someone who can come in, mash lefties, and provide spot coverage around the field when needed.
Contract-wise, projections from FanGraphs and Spotrac peg Andujar in the $5-6 million range on a one-year deal. The Cardinals could make the offer more appealing by including a club option for 2027, possibly with a modest buyout – say, around $500,000 – giving both sides some flexibility moving forward.
After already adding arms like Dustin May and Ryne Stanek this winter, bringing in Andujar would be a smart, low-risk move to round out the roster. He checks the boxes Bloom has been vocal about – right-handed, versatile, experienced – and addresses a clear need for a team looking to stay competitive in a tightly contested NL Central.
It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of subtle, strategic signing that can pay dividends over a long season. If Bloom pulls the trigger, Andujar could end up being one of those under-the-radar additions that quietly makes a difference.
