Height
5'10"
Weight
180 lbs
Age
25
College
UC Irvine
Experience
1 yrs
Bats/Throws
L/L
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsC+
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 37 | 0.16666667 | 2 | 12 | 0.47826087 | 1 | 14 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
AAV
$780K/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Cardinals' one-year, $0.8M deal with outfielder Nathan Church earns a solid C+ CVI, reflecting a low-risk gamble on a serviceable starter at a premium position. Left field has become increasingly expensive across MLB, making Church's modest salary attractive for a player who can provide replacement-level production without blocking prospects. At under $1M annually, St. Louis maintains maximum roster flexibility while addressing depth concerns in an outfield that's been inconsistent beyond their established stars. The short-term commitment aligns perfectly with the Cardinals' competitive timeline, allowing them to evaluate Church's fit without hampering their ability to pursue higher-impact talent if he doesn't pan out. For a franchise balancing immediate contention with long-term sustainability, this represents the type of shrewd, calculated move that can pay dividends if Church exceeds expectations while costing virtually nothing if he doesn't.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Nathan Church, a left fielder for the Cardinals, carries mixed-to-positive public sentiment based on their steady presence. His B- performance grade positions him as a solid contributor at the left fielder position. While he has yet to earn major individual awards, his contributions to the Cardinals keep him in the conversation. On a contract worth $780K/year, minimal financial investment means any production is viewed favorably. Fan opinion is divided, with some appreciating his potential while others point to inconsistencies that temper enthusiasm. At 25, he has significant runway for development, and the baseball community will be watching closely for continued growth.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 4/11 | vs BOS | W 3-2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wed, 4/8 | @ WAS | W 6-1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
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