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Cardinals’ 2015-2016 offseason trades/signings

January 19, 2016

With spring training rapidly approaching, there may be wonders of what new players will be joining the team in red. With players leaving and out because of injuries, the Cardinals have made some much-needed moves to compensate for the losses.

 

Brayan Pena (Catcher):

 

Picked up as a free agent in late November, Pena replaces Tony Cruz, who was traded in a deal with the Royals for minor-league player Jose Martinez. Pena is a definite upgrade from Cruz; he has a batting average of .274 over the last three seasons, compared to Cruz, whose last three seasons average a .202. Although this signing will not help the Cardinals’ lack of home runs, (25th in MLB for home runs in 2015) this will give the Cardinals a more reliable backup for Yadier. Pena also has experience on first base, playing a total of 62 games on the base, giving the team options when choosing a first baseman.

 

Jedd Gyorko (Second Baseman):

 

Traded from San Diego along with $7.5 million in cash over the next four seasons in exchange for OF Jon Jay, Gyorko has one main talent for the team: home runs. Averaging 16.3 home runs per season in his three-year major league career, Gyorko would have placed fourth on the Cardinals in home runs. Outside of his powerful bat, he does not show anything promising, especially when you have an infield with skillful players such as Kolten Wong and Matt Carpenter. Gyorko’s career is just beginning, and maybe, with time, he can prove to be a real game changer.

 

Mike Leake (Starting Pitcher):

 

With pitcher Lance Lynn expected to be out for the upcoming season due to Tommy John surgery, Leake is a reasonable replacement for the time being. The Cardinals are focusing on keeping the players they have left, with Golden Glover Jason Heyward and postseason ace John Lackey leaving to join the Cubs organization, so keeping it safe and signing a free agent is a good move by the Cards. With Leake’s 2015 ERA of 3.70, the bullpen may have to work more than wanted when he starts, averaging 6 innings per start, but with the third-ranked team in the league for ERA in 2015 (2.82), that option will not be a hard one to consider.

 

Jonathan Broxton (Relief Pitcher):

 

After being traded mid-season from the Brewers to the Cardinals in 2015, Broxton has already shown himself as a solid reliever, with a career ERA of 3.23, and an ERA as a Cardinal of 2.33 in 26 game. Broxton is definitely a good move by the Cards, as the seemingly go-to reliever Randy Choate has had a shaky last two seasons with an average ERA of 4.23. This returning Redbird will be one to watch this upcoming season.

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