The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran infielder Ramón Urías, adding defensive versatility to their infield. The contract includes a mutual option for 2027 and carries a $2 million guarantee. This move comes as the team rebuilds following several trades this offseason.
In Jupiter, Florida, the Cardinals announced the signing of 31-year-old Ramón Urías on Saturday, designating right-handed pitcher Zak Kent for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Urías, who split last season between the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros, posted a .241/.292/.384 slash line in 112 games. Over six Major League seasons, he has a .724 OPS, 50 home runs, and strong defensive metrics, including an American League Gold Glove at third base in 2022.
The addition addresses infield depth after the Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, and Willson Contreras this winter. Urías, primarily a third baseman with 371 games at the position, offers an upgrade over Nolan Gorman's minus-9 outs above average at third last season. However, president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom emphasized that the signing will not hinder Gorman's development. "I don't think [signing Urías] will get in the way substantively of the opportunity for Nolan," Bloom said before the team's Grapefruit League opener against the Washington Nationals. The club remains committed to the 25-year-old Gorman, who hit 27 home runs with a 116 OPS+ in 2023.
At second base, top prospect JJ Wetherholt is expected to start on Opening Day, March 26 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Manager Oliver Marmol views Urías as a source of competition. "I don't think you should ever be comfortable in any position," Marmol said. Urías also provides flexibility in left field, allowing infielders Thomas Saggese and José Fermín to focus on outfield training under coach Jon Jay.
The deal is structured as a $1.5 million salary for 2026 with a $500,000 buyout on the 2027 mutual option, plus up to $2 million in incentives based on plate appearances. Urías was non-tendered by the Astros, who projected a $4.4 million arbitration salary for him.
