After the 2019 season, of which St. Louis Cardinals had signed back-up catcher Matt Wieters to a one year minor league contract during Spring training last year, Wieters was a back on the 2020 free agent list.
Wieters was not only a very solid back-up for Yadier Molina as backstop, 41 game starts-37 complete games for a .995 Fldg% (386.2 Innings/only 2 errors). He also possessed a pretty good bat to go with. In his limited play. Even though only holding a .214 BA with a .702 OPS, he did add 11 HR/27 RBI and four doubles along with 73 total bases in his 67 game appearances.
Being a free agent for his second consecutive season, Wieters decided to 'test the waters again' for a possible staring role with another team. Even though, Cardinals have kept him on their radar for 2020.
It was reported this morning, indeed Cardinals and Matt Wieters formed a 'reunion' for another season, 2020, with a $2 MM contract and incentives worth $1 MM. (Bob Nightengale Twitter)
In my opinion, very good news from the Cardinals organization and very good news for Cardinals fans.
With reports earlier in the offseason pertaining to the 'possible' extension of Molina's contract, this is only very good horse-sense to bring Wieters back. To give prospect catcher Andrew Knizner more playing time with the Memphis Triple-A until Cardinals deem the back-up position is open territory for him to get his just due behind the plate in the majors.
Or, like Cardinals previous prospect. catcher Carson Kelly, will he be traded before hand?
With the signing of Wieters the Cardinals 40 man roster is now 'full'. So, should they venture to add a solid bat (preferably left-hander/switch hitter) to the line-up, 'one' would have to be removed to make room.
But at the moment, very pleased with this most recent news. Welcome BACK, Matt Wieters.
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