Cardinals could target Angels slugger to bolster offense for 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals have been let down by their offense this season. They were banking on big years from both Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, but that never came to pass.

Goldschmidt is a free agent at season's end and likely will not be back in 2025. This means the Cardinals are going to have to replace his production in the lineup.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently noted in his weekly Cardinals chat that if St. Louis is to add a bat, they will likely do so via trade.

Thomas Gauvain of FanSided listed Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward as a potential fit.

Ward is having a strong season for the Halos. The 30-year-old slugger is hitting .248 with 23 home runs, 67 RBI, four stolen bases, and a .758 OPS. He likely will not be too expensive for the Cardinals if they decide to pursue him in a trade.

At the same time, St. Louis has a bit of a logjam in the outfield, and they don't really need another outfielder, especially if Jordan Walker improves in 2025. Victor Scott II and Michael Siani are also depth options for the team and there may not be a place for Ward.

Either way, Ward is somebody who could bolster the offense and give them a better chance at competing in 2025. We'll see if St. Louis targets the veteran outfielder this coming offseason or if they'll turn their focus elsewhere.

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