St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas Possible Free-Agent Fits

The St. Louis Cardinals have seemingly been linked to every big name available in the 2017-2018 MLB offseason. After failed attempts to trade for Giancarlo Stanton, Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson, the team could set their sights on the top free-agent hitters.

According to the latest rumors, St. Louis might have interest in signing either first baseman Eric Hosmer or third baseman Mike Moustakas. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman said he thinks the Cardinals will take a “serious look” at the two sluggers that have spent their entire careers with the Kansas City Royals.

As 2017 comes to an end, just about all of the top hitters in free agency are still unsigned. That includes Hosmer, who many expect to sign with the San Diego Padres. San Diego is reportedly prepared to offer Hosmer a six-year deal worth $120 million, but the first baseman hasn't committed to the Padres, even with a potential suitor like the Boston Red Sox now seemingly out of the running.

Hosmer had a career year in 2017, posting a .318 batting average, 25 home runs and 94 RBI. His .385 on-base percentage and .498 slugging percentage were career-highs, and he won his fourth Gold Glove award.

In order to make room for Hosmer, the Cardinals would have to shift Matt Carpenter from first base to second base. Most of Carpenter’s career starts have come at third base, and he has 12 more second-base starts than first-base starts.

With St. Louis’ ability to shift their infielders to other positions, making Moustakas their third baseman could also make sense. He totaled a career-high 38 home runs in the 2017 season, hitting .272/.314/.521. Moustakas missed most of the 2016 season, and he had 22 homers with a .284/.348/.470 slash line in 2015.

St. Louis went 83-79 last season, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. The Cardinals were in the postseason every year from 2011-2015, and they are coming off their worst season since 1999.

The Cardinals acquired outfielder Marcell Ozuna from the Miami Marlins after they were unable to trade for Giancarlo Stanton. The two teams had an agreement in place, but Stanton wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause to play in St. Louis.

It looks like neither Machado nor Donaldson will be moved before the start of the 2018 season, though both players can be had at the right price. St. Louis likely won’t trade top assets for what would be a one-year rental at third base.