Cardinals rumors: Alex Gordon, Dexter Fowler, and Chris Davis are outfield options

Earlier today, we learned that the division rival Cubs were able to lure Jason Heyward away from the Cardinals; and now St. Louis might try to fill their outfield need with a player from an in-state rival.

"A person familiar with the Cardinals' thinking indicated that they will heavily pursue Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon, who figures to command about half the years and dollars as Heyward. Gordon, too, is an elite left fielder, but at 31, his best offensive days are behind him."

While Gordon is indeed on the wrong side of 30, there's little reason to expect his offensive production to suddenly crater. In 2015, he posted a slash line of .271/.377/.432 with a wOBA of .351 and a wRC+ of 122. His season was interrupted by a groin injury, which cost him roughly 50 games, but Gordon still managed to produce an fWAR of 2.8.

Jon Morosi suggests that St. Louis could make a run at Dexter Fowler, in addition to Gordon. Both players are represented by Casey Close of Excel Sports Management, who also happens to be Heyward's agent.

"In many ways, Close has functioned as the 31st general manager in Major League Baeball this offseason. As the agent representing three of the top five free-agent outfielders, he wielded almost unprecedented influence over one segment of the marketplace."

The Cardinals might also turn to Chris Davis, who Julie DiCaro linked to the club yesterday.

Just told rumor is Cubs have the inside track on Heyward. Cards expected to turn their attention to Davis.

— Julie DiCaro (@JulieDiCaro) December 10, 2015

With Heyward finally off the board, the outfield market should begin to take shape, and provide us with a better picture of which teams are going after the remaining free agents.