Report: Cardinals emerge as suitors for Dozier

The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't alone in their pursuit of Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier.

While the Dodgers are still very interested in trading for Dozier, the St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as a dark horse and are reportedly right in the thick of things, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN.

The Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants also "remain in dialogue" with the Twins, Wolfson adds.

The Cardinals would seem like an odd fit for Dozier, as the club already has Kolten Wong and Jedd Gyorko at second base. In the event of a trade, they'd have to send one to Minnesota. The Twins are also reportedly keen on acquiring a high-end pitching prospect, as signified by their talks with the Dodgers.

Of the top 10 prospects in the St. Louis organization, six are pitchers, including their top two prospects, right-handers Alex Reyes and Luke Weaver.

Over the course of the offseason, the Dodgers and Twins have frequently engaged in trade talks about power-hitting infielder Dozier.

The Dodgers were even willing to part ways with top pitching prospect Jose De Leon in an effort to fill the vacancy at second base created by Chase Utley's free agency, reported Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

The Twins are also believed to be interested in Dodgers first base prospect Cody Bellinger, though Los Angeles reportedly isn't interested in parting with his plus power.

Dozier had a career year last season, belting 42 home runs and driving in 99 runs while slashing .268/.340/.546.