According to reports, the St. Louis Cardinals are adding Corey Dickerson to a roster in need of additional left-handed bats. Dickerson’s deal with the Cardinals is for one year and $5 million with additional performance bonuses, per source. Deal is pending a physical. This is the fourth Cardinals’ signing since the lockout is the first to bolster the offense. The first three added free agent relievers, Zach McAllister, Drew VerHagen, and Nick Wittgren.
Righty Dickerson Joins Cardinals Lefty Lineup
Too much emphasis is sometimes placed on handedness, but the Cardinals’ lineup definitely leans to the right. Among those projected to make the roster, only Lars Nootbaar bats exclusively from the left side. Dylan Carlson and Tommy Edman are both switch hitters. Before adding Dickerson, it seemed Nootbaar would have the inside track for the designated hitter spot, but Dickerson is likely to make appearances both there and in the outfield.
Unless the Cardinals make additional moves, it appears that they intend to carry five outfielders this year with Carlson, Tyler O’Neill, and Harrison Bader also on the club. That group was very productive last year, but they each spent stretches on the injured list. The addition of Dickerson should offer greater protection against injury for the Cardinals’ outfield.
Dickerson has played nine major league seasons. He was an All-Star in 2017 with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2018, he was awarded a gold glove while with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson has a career OPS+ of 116.
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Players Mentioned:
Corey Dickerson, Zach McAllister, Drew VerHagen, Nick Wittgren, Lars Nootbaar, Dylan Carlson, Tommy Edman, Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader
