Cardinals and Rangers Make Small Deal

Image credit: Patrick Wisdom (Getty Images)

The 2018 Winter Meetings have been fairly quiet through the first three days. Just two small trades have been completed, the latest of which came on Tuesday between the Rangers and Cardinals.

RANGERS ACQUIRE:

Patrick Wisdom, 3B
Age: 27

After seven seasons in the minors, Wisdom received his first big league callup in 2018. The former first-rounder had a bit of a breakthrough, hitting .288 with a career-best 15 home runs for Triple-A Memphis. That outburst came because of an improved approach that helped him unlock some of his plus raw power. He also has a plus-plus arm at third base, which could help him win a bench spot in spring training with the Rangers, who will look to fill the void created by Adrian Beltre’s retirement.

CARDINALS ACQUIRE:

Drew Robinson, 3B
Age: 26

Robinson came up as a third baseman, but his athleticism has allowed him in recent years to shift to the outfield. In 2018, he played almost exclusively in center field but mixed in some time at second base as well. He has played every position except pitcher and catcher throughout his career.

At his media session on Wednesday, Cardinals manager Mike Shildt lauded Robinson’s versatility.

“Talking to some of the guys that I trust in Texas and our scouts and the good news is he’s got many positions he feels comfortable and confident playing,” Shildt said. “A couple of things that some of the people I talk to say center field is a position that he can take hold to. But he’s played all over.”