3 Players the Cardinals Need to Sign Once MLB Lifts Freeze

The St. Louis Cardinals had a promising season cut short by the Washington Nationals in last year's NLCS. They were swept and the attention turned toward improving in 2020.

The team lost both Marcell Ozuna and Michael Wacha in free agency and could use some reinforcements once the MLB transaction freeze is lifted later this week. A few veterans stand out as top targets for the Cardinals.

3. Melky Cabrera

Melky Cabrera spent 2019 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. / Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Fans may see Melky Cabrera's -1.3 WAR from 2019 and freak out. However, that number was pulled down by his brutal play on defense. The Cardinals will be using a designated hitter in 2020 and Cabrera is an intriguing veteran option to consider. He had 22 doubles and a .713 OPS for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 and is already familiar with NL Central pitching.

2. Tony Sipp

Tony Sipp played for the Washington Nationals in 2019. / Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

The Cardinals aren't lacking arms in the bullpen, but 2020 is going to be different as more depth is needed to make up for the lack of proper preparation and training. Tony Sipp is a veteran left-hander who posted a 1.86 ERA in 2018. He spent 2019 in Washington and struggled a bit, yet still stands out as a top available option. Sipp would also come cheap after a down year and would not have to face the pressure of a late-inning role.

1. Hanley Ramirez

Hanley Ramirez was with the Cleveland Indians at the start of the 2019 season. / Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

Remember Hanley Ramirez? The veteran slugger appeared in 16 games for the Cleveland Indians in 2019 before being let go. He's an option for the Cardinals only because of the universal DH rule in 2020. Ramirez had 23 home runs in his last full season, back in 2017, This is a true low-risk move as Ramirez likely just wants any shot to prove himself. He can get reps as the DH and not take too much time away from anyone on the roster in limited action.