Cardinals could target veteran Mariners slugger this winter as DH option

The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves under .500 for the first time since mid-June thanks in large part to their offensive struggles.

Franchise cornerstones Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado have been unable to carry the team two years removed from MVP-caliber seasons.

Goldschmidt may depart in free agency, and that could leave the Cardinals in the market for a right-handed bat. Justin Turner could be a possibility.

"He's still getting on base at a .350 clip and is the type of veteran you want around young players because he knows how to win a championship," Jim Bowden wrote in The Athletic. "His best role is as a DH but he can also play some first base."

Turner will be turning 40 years old in November, so there is a potential risk with his age. The Cardinals also have a very veteran-heavy roster and may prefer to look for someone younger.

However, Turner still checks a lot of boxes. He could serve as the designated hitter and allow Alec Burleson to take the reins at first base and could even play some first base himself.

He certainly wouldn't cost too much and would likely only be signed to a one-year deal. He also could be used in more of a part-time role to allow younger players like Burleson, Jordan Walker, and Luken Baker to develop.

Either way, he would be a great mentor for young players in the clubhouse and can still produce at the Major League level.

This season, the 39-year-old hitting .253 with seven home runs, 40 RBI, and a .719 OPS. He could be a valuable weapon against left-handed pitching, something St. Louis has struggled with this season.

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