Despite the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets being on opposite ends of contendership for 2026, both teams will have entirely new lineups due to the Cardinals’ rebuild plan and the Mets changing the core of their lineup. Here’s taking a look at the latest rumblings related to both teams.
Cardinals President Hints At Possible Reunion With Harrison Bader
The St. Louis Cardinals have been cleaning house all season long, with eyes set on a clear rebuild plan. During their Winter Warmup fan event over the week, their president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, indicated that the team still has “room” for a right-handed outfielder.
St. Louis Dispatch’s Derrick Gold, wrote in his article on Sunday, while answering the question that a fan shouted former Cardinals fan favorite Harrison Bader’s name.
“Another fan noted that center fielder Harrison Bader remained a free agent,” Gold reported. “That got applause from the crowd. Bloom said the Cardinals “have room for a right-handed” outfielder, and that Bader is a possibility. He declined to answer when a fan asked what Bader was seeking as a contract.”
Bader played six seasons in St. Louis, recording a .246/.320/.409 slash line. He hit 52 home runs and 168 RBIs with a .729 OPS and 98 wRC+. Out of the 52 homers, 16 of them came in the 2021 season when, coupled with elite defense in center field, Bader recorded 4.1 bWAR in 103 games.
The 2021 season prompted the Cardinals to use him as a trade chip, with a move to the New York Yankees coming the following season. In the last three seasons, Bader has been a journeyman playing for five different teams, hitting at .251 with 36 home runs and 145 RBIs.
St. Louis will not be the only team in the market for Bader. With Cody Bellinger, the top free agent outfielder, still out to find a place on a roster, even big market clubs like the New York Mets and the New York Yankees could pivot to Bader as an alternative.
Mets Looking For Internal Fix To Vacant Utility Position
The New York Mets traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics last month, leaving them with a gaping hole to address a utility role that the veteran used to serve in the Mets lineup. According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, in an article on Sunday, they are pivoting towards Brett Baty to take up those responsibilities.
“With Bichette ticketed for third base, the Mets want Brett Baty to perform the utility role that they formerly envisioned for Jeff McNeil, league sources said,” he reported.
Baty divided time between third base and second base last season. He recorded a total of +1 Outs Above Average and +4 Defensive Runs Saved as 3B and +3 DRS as 2B. He has also made 29 starts during the 2021 season in left field for the Syracuse Mets.
The Mets have yet to settle on a third outfield role. Currently, Juan Soto and Tyrone Taylor are the only two major league outfielders on their 40-man roster. Baty could start Opening Day in left field if they do not add to their lineup.
Their infield will have an entirely different look come Opening Day. Francisco Lindor at shortstop will be the only one from their previous core. Marcus Semien will take up duties in the middle of the diamond and newly signed Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette will play in the corners.
