2 Outfield Targets That Make Too Much Sense for Cardinals

There are still goals to accomplish.

Mar 6, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals hat and gloves lay in the dugout at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images | Kim Klement-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals recently completed a blockbuster trade, sending All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two top prospects. The rebuild is clearly underway in St. Louis, and it's going to take some time before they get back into contention.

Chaim Bloom announced on Tuesday during a press conference that he still hopes to add an outfield bat, either via free agency or trade. That might come easier via free agency, as the Cardinals need to protect their prospects for now.

Here are two possible targets that make sense for the Cardinals as they shop for outfield help.

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Isaiah Kiner-Falefa

Jul 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa (12) reaches third on a single after a throwing error by the Colorado Rockies allowed two runs to score in the sixth inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Kiner-Falefa is better known for his defense thanks to his Gold Glove award, but much like Donovan, he can play almost any position on the field, including all three outfield spots. He doesn't hit for much power, as he only had two home runs in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, he did hit .262/.297/.334.

Obviously, he wouldn't be an everyday player, but he's still a veteran presence that makes sense for the rebuilding Cardinals and could give them another super utility man to make up for the loss of Donovan's versatility.

He could also be a trade candidate, assuming the Cardinals are out of postseason contention by the deadline, but he fits exactly what they are looking for and wouldn't take playing time away from anybody.

Andrew McCutchen

Sep 19, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a single against the Athletics during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

This one is probably less likely, as McCutchen is more of a designated hitter at this point in his career, but he could be a veteran leader in the clubhouse and guide younger players.

He also would likely not be an everyday player, as he is currently 39 years old and near the end of his career, but he could be somebody who occasionally plays the corner outfield spots or starts against left-handed pitching.

The former MVP slashed .239/.333/.367 with 13 home runs, 57 RBI and a .700 OPS in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who don't seem to plan on bringing him back in 2026. There is a lot to like about a potential addition of McCutchen, and he can also be sent to a contending team at the deadline if the Cardinals are out of the playoff mix.

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