Ian Desmond A Future Cardinal?

(Photo Credit: USA Today Sports)

The 2015-2016 Major League Baseball offseason is coming to an end as teams now look forward to pitchers and catchers and spring training getting underway. Since the recent signing by the New York Mets to retain star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes was reported late last Friday, all major, intriguing free agents appear to be off the market. However, new reports have emerged that the Cardinals may have interest in signing free agent shortstop Ian Desmond.

According to MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi, current St. Louis shortstop Jhonny Peralta met with team officials and stated that he is willing to play different positions in the future. How soon into the future still remains uncertain, but with reports with Desmond’s name emerging from sources close to Cardinals’ camp, this looks as if it could be a fit.

Peralta does have some experience playing left field in his final days as a member of the Detroit Tigers, although the sample size is extremely small. However, the possibility of Peralta playing left field and bringing in Desmond to play short doesn’t sound too unrealistic, keeping in mind that this could very likely be Matt Holiday’s final season in St. Louis.

In 2015, Peralta was fairly consisted with the Red Birds, batting .275 with 17 home runs and 71 RBIs. He is also known to be elite at flashing the leather. St. Louis also traded for infielder Jedd Gyorko, sending outfielder Jon Jay to San Diego in the process. Gyorko is expected to provide lots of depth for the Cards as he’s very capable of playing multiple positions; he’s also projected to give both Peralta and Kolten Wong backup in 2016.

Ian Desmond has received high honors in the past during his career with the Washington Nationals including Silver Slugger and All Star to name a few. However, 2015 proved to be a down year for Desmond as he managed to hit just .233 with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs. Also, keep in mind that at the end of last season, Desmond received a qualifying offer from Washington, which he declined. Therefore, if the Cardinals end up landing Desmond, it’ll cost St. Louis a draft pick in the process.