MLB Trade Rumors 2016: Ruben Tejada Joins Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals expected to start the season without a dependable shortstop after star Jhonny Peralta opted to have surgery on his injured left thumb, but after the New York Mets parted ways with Ruben Tejada, they grabbed the opportunity to sign him. The team announced that the Panamanian agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.
Peralta is slated to miss at least two months after the surgery and Tejada's release from the Mets came in as fortunate news for the reigning NL Central champions. The 26-year old revealed after signing with St. Louis that he had a talk with several teams, but eventually decided to join the Cardinals because of their championship culture.
In an interview with The Associated Press, he talked about how excited he was in getting another chance to play in the postseason. "They always are searching for a championship, for winning, and that's something that you look as a player to have the opportunity to be in the club that is concentrating on winning," he said.
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He had a meaningful year last season for the Mets, producing 23 doubles, 28 RBIs, and three homeruns while hitting .261. However, he saw his season abruptly end during the NL Division Series when he broke his right leg after Chase Utley made a takeout slide. Although he missed the World Series for the Mets, he did saw himself recover fast through rehabilitation and was even present during spring training with the Mets.
The Mets signed Tejada as an international free agent back in 2006 and he never played for any other team until now.
When New York decided to add another shortstop in Asdrubal Cabrera, Tejada became dispensable, especially with Wilmer Flores and Neil Walker on the roster. But with the Cardinals this season, he has enough time to prove himself while Peralta recovers.
