Turner would provide boost to Cards’ offense

ST. LOUIS — Though the Cardinals remain invested in their pursuit of an outfielder, their offseason work may not be so narrowly focused.

In addition to their ongoing search for outfield help, the Cardinals, according to MLB.com and MLB Network reporter Jon Paul Morosi, are also exploring the possibility of adding an impact bat to the infield. Morosi reported on Tuesday that the Cardinals have shown interest in free-agent third baseman Justin Turner, a top 10 MVP finisher who helped anchor the Dodgers’ lineup last season.

• Hot Stove Tracker

The extent of that interest isn’t known, but the fit nevertheless makes sense. Though the Cardinals appear to have third base covered with Jhonny Peralta and Jedd Gyorko, Turner would represent an offensive and defensive upgrade over both. The cost would be steep — Turner stands out as one of the best bats available on a free-agent market that is now without Yoenis Cespedes — but still affordable to an organization that has substantial financial flexibility this offseason.

Adding Turner would specifically help the Cardinals replace the pair of middle-of-order hitters lost when Matt Holliday and Brandon Moss became free agents after the season. Turner made 107 of his starts last …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com