Cardinals Eyeing Top Starting Pitchers in Free Agency and Trade Market
While the Major League Baseball General Manager Meetings ended prematurely due to unforeseen circumstances, the St. Louis Cardinals have been making waves with their pursuit of top starting pitchers. Both public comments and reports surrounding the team have kept them in the headlines.
The Cardinals have shown interest in every starting pitcher available on the free agent market, including notable names such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Aaron Nola, Blake Snell, and Sonny Gray. Reports suggest that the Cardinals are poised to be strong contenders in the market, but it remains to be seen if they can secure one of these coveted players.
Fortunately, the Cardinals have significant payroll flexibility this offseason, which gives them the ability to make substantial moves. However, it is unlikely that they can accomplish all their goals solely through free agency unless the DeWitt family is willing to open up their pockets substantially.
Recognizing this limitation, the Cardinals have also been actively exploring the trade market. They are considering a range of options, both front-line and back-end starters, who could be valuable additions to the team. With the position player market being thin in free agency this year, the Cardinals can leverage the abundance of talent on their roster to acquire the much-needed starting pitching. Each of the trade targets identified fits the bill for what the Cardinals have to offer.
Honorable Mentions: Potential Trade Targets
While these players may be available via trade this offseason, it is unlikely that they will be feasible options for the Cardinals:
- Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers)
- Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)
- David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates)
As the dust settles from the GM Meetings, the Cardinals are poised to make significant moves to bolster their pitching staff. With their sights set on both free agency and the trade market, they are determined to improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.