Cardinals could pursue Angels utility man to strengthen offense for 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals are in danger of falling short of the postseason for the fifth time in the last nine years. At 73-72, they sit six games behind the New York Mets in the National League Wild Card race, with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs also standing in the way.

Their offense has been sub-par this season and has cost them a chance at contention. If they want to contend in 2025, they are going to have to find a way to bolster their offense with an outside addition.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted in his weekly Cardinals chat that if the Cardinals are going to do this, they'll likely do it via trade rather than free agency.

Thomas Gauvain of FanSided proposed the idea of targeting Los Angeles Angels utility man Luis Rengifo.

Rengifo is likely not the power threat the Cardinals need in order to contend, but he has performed well offensively. Though he's currently on the injured list, he is hitting .300 with six home runs, 30 RBI, and a .764 OPS.

The 27-year-old is also a switch hitter. The Cardinals need help from the right side of the plate and against left-handed pitching, and he could provide that for St. Louis.

Their most recent switch hitter, Tommy Edman was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline, so Rengifo could somewhat make up for that loss if acquired.

Rengifo hit .264 with 16 home runs last year, so he does have some power, but he still isn't exactly what one would call a tent pole bat, so the Cards may ultimately choose to look elsewhere.

It will be interesting to see how they approach adding a bat this winter and if Rengifo is somebody that might be on their shopping list.

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