Cardinals Reportedly Open to Another Splash Before Opening Day

St. Louis looking to add right-handed hitting outfielder before season starts

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the most active teams in MLB this offseason and it sounds like they are not done making moves. According to reports, the Cardinals are open to making another trade or signing, with a right-handed hitting outfielder being a potential target.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have already made several big moves this offseason, including the signing of star outfielder Bryce Harper. Adding another impact player could further bolster their lineup and rotation as they look to compete for a World Series title in 2026.

The details

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Cardinals remain interested in signing a right-handed hitting outfielder, even though they may not be able to offer as much playing time as some free agents are seeking. One potential target could be former Cardinal Randal Grichuk, who offers many of the skills the team is looking for. The Cardinals are also open to trade offers that could help them continue to collect younger talent.

  • The Cardinals have been active this offseason, making several big moves.

The players

Chaim Bloom

Chief Baseball Officer of the Boston Red Sox, who has stated the Cardinals are still open to adding a right-handed bat.

Randal Grichuk

Former Cardinals outfielder who is currently available and could be a potential target for the team.

JoJo Romero

Cardinals pitcher who had a career year in 2025 and has just one more season of team control left, making him a potential trade chip.

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What they’re saying

“No. 10. What's the next move? Of course, a trade at any point could lead to more questions just as a signing could address one. The Cardinals remain interested in signing a right-handed hitting outfielder, though they cannot offer the playing time some of the free agents have sought. What will the Cardinals do next?”

— Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

“As we look at that, whether it is short-term or long-term, I have been saying it, but we haven't yet made an acquisition along those lines, but we're continuing to look for that right fit. We do potentially have some opportunities in that outfield. Ideally, it's from the right side but that was going to be something we looked at either way. I don't think [Lars Nootbaar's recovery] really changes that. Lars is kind of progressing more or less how you would have hoped. Had the surgery and it went as expected.”

— Chaim Bloom, Chief Baseball Officer, Boston Red Sox (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to monitor the trade and free agent markets for potential additions, with a right-handed hitting outfielder being a priority. They could also look to move JoJo Romero in a trade before he becomes a free agent after the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Cardinals have been one of the most active teams this offseason, and it appears they are not done making moves. Their willingness to explore trades and free agent signings shows their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster for the 2026 season.