St. Louis Cardinals: Five low cost high reward free agents to sign

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 16: Maikel Franco #7 of the Kansas City Royals during an at-bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 16, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 16: Maikel Franco #7 of the Kansas City Royals during an at-bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 16, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
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St. Louis Cardinals
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Danny Santana

Next on the St. Louis Cardinals’ shopping list is another ex-Texas Ranger, Danny Santana. After a career year in 2019 with Texas in which he slashed .283/.324/.534 with 28 home runs over 130 games, a torn ligament in his right elbow prevented a potential encore performance in 2020. The Rangers non-tendered Santana on December 3rd.

The 30-year-old is a cheap option for the Cardinals, perhaps as cheap as a minor league contract. He possesses a strong throwing arm and profiles at any outfield position. Throughout his major league career, Santana has also played first base, second base, third base, and shortstop. His versatility lends to a St. Louis lineup that, as we’ve mentioned, has a few holes.

On that note, Santana is also a switch-hitter. He miraculously showed no side of favor in 2019 when posting nearly identical splits when hitting right-handed and left-handed. Right-handed, Santana slashed .276/.325/.531; while left-handed, he slashed .286/.323/.535.

For Danny Santana, it’s a matter of proving 2019 was not a fluke season for him offensively, as well as finding a club that believes he has another strong campaign in him. The St. Louis Cardinals would be wise to at least extend him an invite to spring training to see what he has to offer.