NFL Tickets
At close to 36 years old (Jan.15), and coming off a season where he played just 73 games, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is sure to explore all options to stay healthy and extend his career. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.com, according his sources that have seen workouts, has written that Holliday is in Jupiter, Florida working out at first base on his own.
After losing Jason Heyward in free agency, trading Jon Jay and non-tendering Peter Bourjos, the Cardinals are a bit thin in the outfield. Holliday is currently slated for his customary left field, with Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk filling the other two spots at this point, but a position move would allow St. Louis to comfortably add an outfielder that could play center field.
St. Louis could have renewed interest in free agent Alex Gordon, assuming Holliday quickly proves he can play first base adequately. The Cardinals have a couple options there too, with Matt Adams and Brandon Moss in place, but Holliday would add a right-handed hitter to that mix and create more lineup options for manager Mike Matheny.
Holliday is not known to be anywhere near the trade block, but a potential position switch and entering the final fully guaranteed year of his contract ($17 million club option for 2017) could theoretically boost his value. He is not likely to recapture his previous form, but in 2014 Holliday posted a 3.3 WAR (Wins Above Replacement, Baseball Reference-version).
The key for Holliday to provide value going forward is tied to being healthy and in the lineup. Moving out of left field, even on a part-time basis, would be a solid step in that direction for he and the Cardinals. If he is in lineup regularly once again in 2016, Holliday could easily reach the 20-plus home run plateau that has become a regular occurrence throughout his career.
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
Share 
