The St. Louis Cardinals are close to securing a deal with infielder Ramón Urías, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat. While the exact contract terms remain under wraps, the team must free up space on their 40-man roster before finalizing any major league arrangement. At nearly 32 years old, Urías brings multi-positional experience and proven defensive skill, making him an intriguing addition to the Cardinals’ roster.
Career Highlights and Defensive Excellence
Across approximately three full MLB seasons totaling 1,856 plate appearances, Urías has compiled a .257 batting average with a .321 on-base percentage and .403 slugging, along with 50 home runs. He earned recognition for his defensive excellence in 2022, receiving the American League Gold Glove at third base. During that year, he posted 14 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and eight Outs Above Average (OAA), underscoring his value as a defender.
Recent Offensive Struggles and Roster Considerations
Despite his defensive accolades, Urías struggled offensively in 2025, finishing with a combined .241/.292/.384 slash line for the Orioles and Astros. This downturn contributed to Houston’s decision not to tender him a contract. As the Cardinals work to open a spot on their already full 40-man roster, adding Urías would require a corresponding roster move to accommodate him.
Impact on Cardinals Infield and Future Outlook
If the deal is completed, Urías could provide valuable depth and defensive strength across multiple infield positions for the Cardinals. His experience and award-winning glove are expected to support the team’s efforts as they shape their lineup heading into the 2026 season. Successfully adding Urías would help strengthen the Cardinals’ roster both offensively and defensively while addressing crucial positional flexibility.
“Bringing in Ramón Urías could enhance the Cardinals’ infield defense while providing an experienced player, but the team must address its roster limitations to secure the deal.” – Jeff Jones, Belleville News-Democrat
