Cardinals' Trade for Matt Liberatore Could Help Their Chances of Re-Signing Marcell Ozuna

A trade between the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays materialized virtually out of nowhere on Thursday.

The Rays reportedly offloaded heralded pitching prospect Matt Liberatore to the Cardinals in exchange for Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena.

Where things become interesting now, however, is the potential of the Cards re-signing Marcell Ozuna, who is still presently braving free agency in the wake of this news.

Ramifications from #STLCards' acquisition of prized pitching prospect Matt Liberatore from #Rays: 1) It could increase free-agent Marcell Ozuna's chances of returning to St. Louis. 2) Liberatore is the type of prospect the #Rockies would demand in trade package for Nolan Arenado
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 9, 2020

It adds up, no?

Ozuna is one of the MLB's biggest remaining free agents, and reports suggest that returning to St. Louis tops his wish list, and rightfully so. The two-time All-Star was an imposing presence in the middle of the Cardinals' lineup in 2019. Though his .241 average will need to improve, Ozuna managed to record 29 home runs, 89 RBI, 80 runs scored, and an .800 OPS.

Ozuna says he's down to Cardinals, Rangers https://t.co/0yvIlFKLR8
— Rotoworld Baseball (@Rotoworld_BB) January 10, 2020

The Cards freed up some money in this deal by sending Martinez's $2.12 million salary for 2020 (and next two seasons of arbitration eligibility), so perhaps one more move to shed salary will get the front office in a comfortable spot to pay Ozuna.

Regardless of what happens with Ozuna, it's clear the Cardinals are gearing up to make some sort of splash, so stay tuned for the latest buzz.