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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Kurt Suzuki

Kurt Suzuki, 38, is one of the better offensive catchers on the free agent market. He did not slug at a high rate in 2020, though he did manage a quality .270 batting average and .349 OBP.

If the St. Louis Cardinals were to sign Suzuki, they would replace a 17-year veteran with a 14-year veteran. Suzuki is not Yadier Molina behind the plate, but he does have experience curating a championship pitching staff, as he did so with the Washington Nationals two seasons ago.

Built on pitching but in great need of offense, the St. Louis Cardinals would find a worthy hybrid option in Suzuki. He’d put forth strong at-bats from a bottom-third spot in the batting order; however, maintaining the well-being of the staff would be his top priority.

If St. Louis does move on from Molina, bringing aboard a battle-tested and wise Kurt Suzuki would smoothen the transition.