Jeff Lange via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The Cardinals Hope For Potential With Latest Trade

Originally posted on The Cold Wire | By Curt Bishop | Last updated 11/9/22

The St. Louis Cardinals have made their first move of the offseason by acquiring infielder Jose Fermin from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations.

Fermin’s contract has been selected to the 40-man roster.

In corresponding moves, right-handed pitchers Alex Reyes and Drew VerHagen were activated from the 60-Day Injured List, which brings the Cardinals 40-man roster up to 38 players.

Fermin, 23, hit .215 with six home runs and 36 RBI with the Columbus Clippers, the Guardians Triple-A affiliate.

Over his minor league career, Fermin has homered 22 times and driven in 161 runs, hitting for a lifetime average of .259.

The Cardinals announced the news via Twitter.

We have acquired minor league INF Jose Fermín from Cleveland for cash considerations and selected his contract to our 40-player roster.

Additionally, RHPs Alex Reyes & Drew VerHagen have been reinstated from the 60-Day Injured List, bringing the team's 40-player roster to 38. pic.twitter.com/62lBjtcY0i

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) November 9, 2022

Cards Add Jose Fermin

This is mostly likely just a depth move for the Cardinals, and not to be taken too seriously.

What could end up happening though is that the Cardinals may give Fermin a shot to prove himself in spring training.

With Paul DeJong likely on his last chance before the organization decides to move forward, Fermin could potentially compete with DeJong for a spot on the roster, assuming the Cardinals don’t go out and pick up a utility infielder in a trade or in free agency.

Most likely, this is just a depth move for the Cardinals in order to add to their 40-man roster.

But the move could potentially work out in their favor if they have Fermin compete for a roster spot in 2023, likely challenging DeJong, who has struggled over the past few seasons.

Free agency is set to begin tomorrow at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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