Report: Angels, Cardinals have discussed trade for third baseman David Freese

David Freese hit a career-low .262 last season and struggled mightily in the playoffs. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The St. Louis Cardinals have discussed trading 2011 World Series and NLCS MVP David Freese to the Angels, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

The Cardinals are reportedly hesitant to give Freese, who grew up in the St. Louis area, a long-term extension. Coming off a down year at age 30, he's a prime target to be moved.

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The Angels need help at third base after trading Alberto Callaspo to Oakland at the trade deadline. They are also seeking young pitching, which St. Louis has a plethora of.

Freese hit .293 with 20 home runs and an .839 OPS in 2012, when he made the All-Star team, but his numbers dipped to .262 with nine homers and a .721 OPS last season.

In 48 postseason games, Freese is a .289 hitter with seven home runs and 29 RBIs, but he was only 10-for-56 (.179) with 16 strikeouts in last year's playoffs.

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