Latest On Cardinals’ Pitching Pursuits
The St. Louis Cardinals have made significant moves to bolster their starting pitching rotation this offseason, but they remain open to further additions. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak revealed that the team has already signed Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson, but they are still considering potential moves.
Cardinals’ Rotational Depth
Mozeliak stated that the team currently has a strong starting rotation of five pitchers, including Gray, Lynn, Gibson, Miles Mikolas, and Steven Matz. He also mentioned that they have three or four other pitchers who can provide depth throughout the season. However, Mozeliak did not completely rule out the possibility of adding more pitchers if the right opportunity arises.
The Cardinals' aggressive approach in the free agent market was a strategic decision, as they believed it would be challenging to acquire the desired talent through trades without giving up valuable assets. With the starting pitching settled, the team will now focus on improving the bullpen and remain open to new possibilities.
Exploring Trade Options
Despite having a surplus of pitchers behind their projected starting five, the Cardinals might consider trading some of their younger arms to acquire top-of-the-rotation talent. The team has internally discussed potential trades for pitchers such as Dylan Cease from the White Sox and Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays.
While it is common for front offices to explore numerous free agents and trade candidates, the Cardinals specifically evaluated how Glasnow's $25MM salary for 2024 would fit into their projected payroll. The Rays have expressed a willingness to carry a higher payroll next year, but they may still look to trade some players to manage their finances.
Bullpen Targets
The Cardinals have already shown interest in relievers Jordan Hicks and Yuki Matsui, and they have now identified Phil Maton of the Houston Astros as another potential target. Maton has been a reliable reliever for the Astros, with impressive regular-season and playoff performances. The Cardinals might be attracted to Maton's ability to induce soft contact and his impactful pitching in high-pressure situations.
Furthermore, Maton's connection to the St. Louis area, having grown up in Chatham, Illinois, could be a factor in the Cardinals' pursuit. The team has shown a willingness to consider local connections in previous signings, such as Gray and Gibson. While Maton's market has not generated much buzz yet, the relief pitching market as a whole is still developing as teams primarily focus on acquiring starting pitchers.
