Cardinals Inch Closer to Adding Veteran Infielder Ramón Urías
The St. Louis Cardinals are on the verge of adding experienced infielder Ramón Urías to their roster, according to reports from Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat. While contract details remain undisclosed, the move signals a strategic approach to bolstering infield depth during a rebuilding phase.
Addressing a Post-Trade Roster Require
This potential acquisition comes after a winter that saw the Cardinals trade away key infielders Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, and Willson Contreras. These moves, while freeing up playing time for younger players, created a need for veteran presence and reliable depth. Urías, a multi-positional player, appears poised to fill that role.
A Solid, If Recently Underperforming, Player
Urías, who will turn 32 in June, has spent six seasons in the majors, primarily with the Baltimore Orioles before a mid-season trade to the Houston Astros in 2025. He’s appeared in 1,856 major league at-bats, hitting 50 home runs and maintaining a .257 batting average. His overall offensive production is slightly above average, with a 104 wRC+.
Defense: A Key Strength
While his offensive numbers dipped in 2025 (.241/.292/.384), Urías’s defensive prowess remains a significant asset. He won an American League Gold Glove at third base in 2022, showcasing exceptional range and fielding ability. He’s also regarded as a strong defender at second base, though less experienced at first base.
Arbitration and the Astros’ Decision
Houston opted not to tender Urías a contract for 2026, despite a projected $4.4 million arbitration salary. This decision opened the door for the Cardinals to pursue him as a free agent.
How Urías Fits into the Cardinals’ Plans
The Cardinals currently have Masyn Winn projected at shortstop and Alec Burleson at first base. Nolan Gorman is likely to take over at third, though he also has experience at second. JJ Wetherholt could contend for the second base job. Urías provides insurance and flexibility behind these players, offering a reliable option should injuries occur or younger players struggle.
A Potential Trade Chip?
Given his veteran status and potential to perform, Urías could also become a trade candidate later in the season, allowing the rebuilding Cardinals to acquire further assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What positions can Ramón Urías play?
A: Primarily third base and second base, but he has experience at shortstop and first base.
Q: Why did the Astros not re-sign Urías?
A: They chose not to tender him a contract, despite a projected arbitration salary, likely to create roster space or pursue other options.
Q: Is Urías a long-term solution for the Cardinals?
A: He provides immediate depth and a veteran presence, but his role may evolve as younger players develop or the team pursues further trades.
Q: What is a wRC+?
A: Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) measures a player’s total offensive value and adjusts it to account for ballpark factors. A wRC+ of 100 is league average.
Did you know? Ramón Urías’s brother, Luis Urías, also plays in MLB as an infielder for the Boston Red Sox.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Cardinals finalize their roster for the 2026 season. Explore our other articles for more in-depth analysis of the Cardinals’ rebuilding strategy and player profiles.
