St Louis Cardinals - Inside The Cardinals

Who will be in the St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen in 2024?

St. Louis has made a specific effort to improve the bullpen after a tough 2023 season. The Cardinals had an underwhelming 2023 campaign and inconsistent play from the bullpen and starting rotation is a massive reason why.

The Cardinals have made a handful of additions to the bullpen and one "dark horse" candidate to possibly make the big league club is fireballer Riley O'Brien, according to MLB.com's John Denton.

"After recording the third-fewest strikeouts in all of baseball among their relievers in 2023, the Cardinals aggressively sought out swing-and-miss while fortifying their bullpen," Denton said. "The marquee additions were 2021 (American League) All-Star Andrew Kittredge and 2023 (New York Yankees) standout Keynan Middleton. O’Brien, who was acquired in a November trade with the (Seattle Mariners) for cash considerations, was the first addition, and he mostly flew below the radar because of his limited (Major League Baseball) experience (15 games).

"The 29-year-old struck out 13 batters in 8 1/3 MLB innings with the Mariners in 2023 and fanned 86 batters in 55 innings in Triple-A. O’Brien flashed a sweeper with 21 inches of horizontal break and a fastball that has touched 98 mph this spring. He could make the Cards roster with his ability to get strikeouts out of the bullpen."

O'Brien doesn't have much big-league experience but has been solid throughout his professional career in the minors. He had a 2.29 ERA in 51 appearances last season with the Triple-A Tacoma Trainiers.

More MLB: Cardinals Loosely Linked To Trio Of Shortstops As They Seek Middle Infield Help

The St. Louis Cardinals won't have to wait much longer to watch their new ace in action.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak made a splash when he signed American League Cy Young runner-up Sonny Gray to a notable three-year, $75 million deal in late November. 

The 34-year-old star hurler has been gearing up behind the scenes thus far but is just days away from taking the mound in front of his new fanbase.

"Sonny Gray still on track to start on Tuesday," St. Louis Dispatch's Lynn Worthy reported Sunday. "Mikes Mikolas and Kyle Gibson lined up after that, but Cardinals are keeping the order flexible at this point as far as which one starts when."

Should everything go as planned, the right-hander will take on the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers at 1:05 p.m. ET -- where he'll likely toss two innings.

Unfortunately, that game is not going to be televised by either club's television network, though the CRN and WEEI radio broadcasts will be available for fans to get a glimpse into Gray's debut.

Gray posted a 2.79 ERA with a 183-to-55 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .226 batting average against and a 1.15 WHIP in 184 innings across 32 starts last season. He led Major League Baseball with a 2.83 FIP and 0.4 home runs allowed per nine innings for the Minnesota Twins.

Now the highly-anticipated Cardinals newcomer is in the process of gearing up for Opening Day. 

He'll need all the preparation he can get as the first three players he's expected to face in the regular season will be the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar trio of second baseman Mookie Betts, designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and first baseman Freddie Freeman.

More MLB: Cardinals Loosely Linked To Trio Of Shortstops As They Seek Middle Infield Help

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to rebound after a last-place National League Central finish in 2023, recording their worst record in 33 years.

Despite the significant roster alterations made this offseason, which should hopefully increase their chances of turning things around, there is still pressure on the Cardinals to perform.

Of everyone in the organization who's feeling the most pressure to succeed this upcoming season, manager Oliver Marmol is at the top of that list. One National League rival executive predicts he might be replaced by a St. Louis legend if 2024 pans out like last season.

"'They’d (Cardinals) be at the top of my list of teams most likely to make a change (of manager),' said a rival NL exec," as transcribed by The Athletic's Jayson Stark on Friday. "'I’d just say this: Don’t go to sleep on the job Yadi (Molina) did managing in the Caribbean Series.'"

Molina led Puerto Rico to a 3-3 record before being eliminated by Curaçao one round short of the semifinals. Despite a disappointing end to the series, the team was always competitive and never lost a game by more than three runs.

The 10-time All-Star became a special assistant to Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak in December and is slated to be present at spring training to help catchers Willson Contreras and Iván Herrera prepare for the upcoming season.

The four-time Platinum Glove winner has expressed interest in returning to Major League Baseball in a coaching role and it looks like he might be sizing up to succeed Marmol if he cannot deliver in 2024.

Will we see Molina become the new manager of the Cardinals just two seasons after announcing his retirement from playing?

More MLB: White Sox Ace Most Likely To Be Traded In Spring Training; Do Cardinals Make Sense?

The St. Louis Cardinals addressed their biggest concerns entering the offseason when they added three starting pitchers and two high-leverage relievers. 

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak is expected to be done making splashes but there could be some external help on the way to provide depth up the middle.

St. Louis reportedly is attempting to choose their backup shortstop behind star prospect Masyn Winn and is willing to exhaust all options.

Versatile Tommy Edman is a logical choice -- which would allow someone such as Dylan Carlson or Alec Burleson to join the outfield group for a day. However, some think an external player could be on the table.

"There still remains a handful of available shortstops, including two experienced Gold Glove Award winners in Nick Ahmed and Brandon Crawford," the St. Louis Dispatch's Derrick Goold pointed out regarding the matter. "Former All-Star Elvis Andrus is also unsigned."

Among the names listed Andrus is the only one who had a positive bWAR last season after playing respectable defense and posting an acceptable 81 OPS+ in 112 games last season.

Ahmed and Crawford would be fantastic defensive-minded options with the latter able to provide veteran leadership as a two-time World Series champion, four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star.

An external addition is not required due to the number of budding young position players in the organization but could aid the team, especially early on as Thomas Saggese continues to work his way up the farm system.

More MLB: Cardinals Given Strong Offseason Grade After Rebuilding Pitching Staff

One former member of the St. Louis Cardinals is looking to get his next career started. 

Cardinals legend Albert Pujols retired at the end of the 2022 season after an extremely successful playing career. Pujols will find his place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum after clubbing 703 home runs throughout his career.

It sounds like Pujols isn't done with baseball, though. The St. Louis legend reportedly wants to manage a big league club eventually, according to ESPN's Alden González. 

"I’m told Albert Pujols is going to manage the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican winter league beginning in September, as Grandes en los Deportes first reported," González said. "His goal is to eventually manage in the big leagues. This is a step towards that."

Pujols isn't the only Cardinals legend who wants to get back into baseball in a different capacity. Former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina also has been getting involved in the game and could be a candidate to be a manager as well at some point. 

It's unclear when Pujols could end up being a manager in the big leagues -- or even if he will get a role -- but it would be interesting to see him return to the Cardinals in some capacity again.

Pujols already has left the Cardinals and returned once. Why not do it again in a different capacity? Pujols had the most success of his career with the Cardinals and it wouldn't be surprising to see him back with the club at some point in a different role.

More MLB: Cardinals Top Prospect's Versatility Could Help Pave Way For His Debut

The St. Louis Cardinals pitching staff significantly underperformed in 2023, leading to the franchise's worst record in 33 years.

To correct the shortcoming of last season, the Cardinals acted early this offseason to land three veteran starting pitchers and later acquired multiple high-leverage relievers.

With concerns remaining that the bolstered rotation still isn't strong enough, there might be an option for the Cardinals to pursue before the first pitch is thrown on Opening Day.

Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease was recently listed as the player most likely to get traded this spring by The Athletic's annual spring training preview survey of executives, former executives, coaches and scouts, per Jayson Stark.

With Cease only under contract through 2025 and the White Sox far from competitive, there's a good chance that Chicago will be looking to see what they can get in return for trading the hurler. 

More likely than not, the White Sox will wait for the trade deadline to shop him but that strategy could run them the risk of losing out if he gets injured or performs poorly in the first half of the season.

Cease posted a 7-9 record with a 4.58 ERA, 214-to-79 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .250 batting average against and a 1.42 WHIP in 177 innings pitched for the White Sox last season.

The 28-year-old has a proven track record for the five years he's been in the league -- 2022 being his best season where he recorded a 14-8 record with a 2.20 ERA in 184 innings pitched.

The Cardinals would likely have to trade multiple top-tier prospects such as Victor Scott II and Tink Hence to acquire the Chicago ace this spring. Given that the Cardinals have passed on multiple opportunities to add high-end starters recently, it's highly unlikely to see the organization make such a move to trade for Cease.

While the idea of adding an impact arm to pair with Sonny Gray is fun, it would be unwise for the Cardinals to throw away potential integral parts of their future for a short-term investment.

More MLB: Cardinals Top Prospect's Versatility Could Help Pave Way For His Debut

The St. Louis Cardinals knew exactly what they needed following an unexpected last-place finish in the National League Central in 2023 -- pitching, pitching and more pitching.

The Cardinals were not meaningfully in it for Yoshinobu Yamamoto and are not going to land stateside stars such as Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell. However, they did sign a legitimate ace in Sonny Gray and successfully shored up the group from top to bottom.

The national media has shown their support for St. Louis' actions as well. USA Today's Bob Nightengale and Gabe Lacques gave the Cardinals a B- for their efforts -- which was in the upper half of their rankings as they graded each offseason.

"Cardinals president John Mozeliak promised they would add three starting pitchers after last year’s disastrous season and quickly delivered this winter, bringing in three veterans with Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn," Nightengale and Lacques shared Thursday. "Certainly, the Cardinals aren’t concerning themselves with a youth movement. Lynn and Gibson are 36, and Gray is 34, the heart of the oldest starting rotation in baseball."

The focus for the aforementioned writing duo rightfully was on the rotation but they left out some key details.

Mozeliak also went into the offseason with the plan of adding two high-leverage relievers to support the new-look rotation. He accomplished his goal by adding Andrew Kittredge via trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and then signing Keynan Middleton in free agency. 

The retooling of the pitching staff plus the health of right-hander Ryan Helsley and development of left-hander Jojo Romero should aid the Cardinals' quest to improve upon their No. 24 ranked 4.79 team ERA from a season ago. 

It's fair to question whether Gibson and Lynn will be able to hold their own toward the bottom of the rotation but the overall shift has been positive.

St. Louis is projected to win the National League Central by both Fangraphs and Baseball Prospectus this season in what would be an incredible worst-to-first storyline.

More MLB: Cardinals Top Prospect's Versatility Could Help Pave Way For His Debut

The St. Louis Cardinals feel optimistic as the club prepares for their first spring training game against the Miami Marlins this upcoming Saturday.

After finishing last place in the National League Central with a disappointing 71-91 record in 2023, the Cardinals have made significant moves this winter to ensure that this season's outcome will be different.

St. Louis has retooled the pitching staff and feels confident about their position player group. While both the infield and outfield appear set, there is one top prospect who could work his way into the mix if the opportunity arises.

"Cardinals are secure in (Thomas Saggese's) defense at second base, but it sounds like Oli (Marmol) is looking forward to seeing him at other spots too this spring, like third -- and shortstop," KMOV's Brenden Schaeffer reported from spring training Wednesday.

Saggese won't be starting over 10-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenando, second baseman Nolan Gorman, or rising shortstop Masyn Winn anytime soon but his versatility and impressive slugging potential just might earn him a call-up to the big leagues soon in a utility role.

The 21-year-old batted .306 with 66 extra-base hits including 26 home runs, 111 RBIs and a .904 OPS in 139 games played between Double-A Frisco, Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis last season.

The utility man played a significant amount innings at second base, shortstop and third base while also recording the most hits by any player in Minor League Baseball in 2023 on his way to becoming the 2023 Texas League MVP for his work at the Double-A level. 

It's safe to say that the position player spots are locked up for now and Saggese would likely need an injury or transaction to occur for a path to open. If he can keep the momentum going this upcoming season, it might not be long before we see the young phenom playing at Busch Stadium.

More MLB: Cardinals Newcomer Strikes Out Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt In Live Practice

The St. Louis Cardinals may not have their starting center fielder at full strength for the next few weeks.

Cardinals utility man Tommy Edman is expected to be the club's starting center fielder this season but will have to wait a little bit of time until he's ready to go. The 28-year-old had offseason wrist surgery and is "several" weeks away from participating in full activities, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold.

"Edman rejoined workouts Tuesday after a brief stomach illness, though offseason wrist surgery could mean it is several more weeks before he is cleared to participate in full activities," Goold said. He continues to do one-handed swings to build strength and range of motion ahead of advancing from soft toss to batting practice to, ultimately, games.

"The Cardinals and their switch-hitting infielder believe the calendar has enough time for him to be ready for opening day. And if he is, they expect him to be in center field."

Edman is fresh off signing a new two-year deal with St. Louis. The young utility man found his name in trade rumors constantly over the last year but seemingly will be a part of the Cardinals' core for at least the short term. 

The 28-year-old will play an important role with the Cardinals in 2024 and while it seems like he will be ready for Opening Day, his injury will be something to closely monitor moving forward. 

Hopefully, Edman can return to the field as expected ahead of Opening Day.

More MLB: Cardinals Superstar 'Pushed' Club To Reunite With All-Star In Free Agency

The St. Louis Cardinals had an extremely underwhelming 2023 season and responded with a flurry of moves once the season came to an end.

St. Louis made a specific effort to improve the starting rotation and bullpen after both areas of the club significantly hindered the team in 2023. The Cardinals didn't stop there, though.

The Cardinals also brought back three-time All-Star Matt Carpenter after spending the 2023 season with the San Diego Padres. 

Carpenter was selected by the Cardinals in the 13th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and spent the first 11 years of his big league career with the team. 

The veteran infielder left the Cardinals ahead of the 2022 season but is back in St. Louis thanks in large part to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, according to MLB.com's John Denton. 

"One area that Goldschmidt thought could use some cleaning up in the Cardinals' clubhouse was the need for another proven veteran, so he pushed for the club to bring back 38-year-old infielder Matt Carpenter," Denton said. "Though it might not show up nightly in box scores, Goldschmidt feels Carpenter can be a big benefit to the Cards.

"I’ll be honest, I pushed for Carp -- when he was a free agent -- for him to come back," Goldschmidt said as transcribed by Denton. “I saw the impact he can have on the field and off it. The best teams always have players like him because they make the players around them better. That can’t always be measured in the stats. I’ll really rely on him a lot and ask what he sees with my swing.”

Carpenter may not see a lot of time on the field, but it's clear that he will be a major voice in the Cardinals' clubhouse.

More MLB: Potential Cardinals Fit Reportedly Expected To Sign Overseas In Shocking Move

The St. Louis Cardinals accomplished their top priority of retooling the rotation after a tumultuous 2023 season and are ready to bounce back.

As spring training takes off, all eyes are on the three veteran starters the Cardinals picked up this offseason.

Newly acquired right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson shut down five-time Silver Sluggers Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt on no-look strikeouts Tuesday during live practice, as shared by MLB.com's John Denton.

#STLCards RHP Kyle Gibson gets the best of superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado in this live BP session. pic.twitter.com/d6xJSfRpAP

#STLCards RHP Kyler Gibson ends his live BP session by getting Paul Goldschmidt looking on a strike three. The 6-foot-6 Gibson was a 15-game winner with the #Orioles while making 33 starts (T-3rd in MLB) in 2023. pic.twitter.com/5QF5GnBmIL

The Cardinals signed Gibson to a one-year, $12 million contract with a club option this offseason to help fill one of the three missing holes in their rotation.

Gibson posted a 4.73 ERA with a 157-to-55 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .270 batting average against and 1.32 WHIP in 192 innings pitched last season with the Baltimore Orioles.

The 36-year-old is no ace by any means but his ability to pitch an extensive amount of innings will surely be an asset for the Cardinals in 2024. 

Striking out both Arenando and Goldschmidt is certainly a commendable feat -- especially at his age -- but it needs to be noted that the live-hitting practices showcased are light and should not have much stock taken from them. It's merely to point toward the fact that Gibson is proving he can still hang with the big guns. 

Some feel that the Cardinals still need to add rotation depth, despite landing Gibson, Lance Lynn and Sonny Gray this winter.

Hopefully, Gibson will prove his worth this upcoming season and continue to strike out top hitters in the game, as he's doing now in Jupiter.

More MLB: Potential Cardinals Fit Reportedly Expected To Sign Overseas In Shocking Move

The St. Louis Cardinals are days away from spring training games kicking off and will be looking to bounce back from last year's season to forget.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak successfully addressed the main areas of concern this winter by landing three veteran starting pitchers along with some much-needed bullpen depth.

The rejuvenated rotation is comparable to last season's squad in terms of talent and some are worried that the latest additions won't be enough. However, the Cardinals don't appear worried as they pass on another logical depth option.

"Korean media are reporting free agent pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu has signed with his ex-Korean club Hanwha Eagles, but the Eagles are saying nothing has been finalized at the moment," Yonhap News' Jeeho Yoo reported Monday. "It seems inevitable, though, that Ryu will return to the Korean Baseball Organization."

Ryu missed most of 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery but came back strong and appeared to have plenty left in the tank.

The 36-year-old posted a 3-3 record with a 3.46 ERA, 38-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .257 batting average against and 1.29 WHIP in 52 innings pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays after making his return late last season.

The Korean-born hurler was arguably the most underrated starting pitcher on the market this offseason and it's a shame to see St. Louis pass up on a proven talent that would have been relatively inexpensive -- given that he's now signing with an international league that likely doesn't have the capital to spend top dollar for him.

The Cardinals have missed multiple opportunities to add depth to their rotation this offseason and sadly, Ryu will be added to that list. Hopefully, this won't come back to haunt St. Louis in 2024.

More MLB: Cardinals Missed Chance To Acquire Highly Touted Ace At Discounted Price

One young St. Louis Cardinals outfielder still is working his way back after undergoing surgery.

Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson missed much of the 2023 campaign as he dealt with injuries and only was able to appear in 76 games. Carlson had a down year and clubbed five home runs, drove in 27 runs, and slashed .219/.318/.333.

Carlson found his name in trade rumors last season and throughout the offseason but still remains with the club and is expected to see a solid role in 2024 as the club's fourth outfielder.

The 25-year-old underwent ankle surgery in September and is still attempting to work his way back. He was cleared in December but has been limited to begin Spring Training, according to MLB.com's John Denton.

"Cardinals (center fielder) Tommy Edman will miss the first full team workout because of a stomach bug, Oli Marmol said," Denton said. "Dylan Carlson (ankle surgery) is limited with his running, while Brendan Donovan (elbow surgery) will have his throwing monitored. Donovan is likely to stick at (second base) for now."

The fact that he's able to participate at all is a positive sign and the club likely is just taking precautions after Carlson missed time last season. 

St. Louis is in an interesting spot and is going to need all hands on deck to get back on track in 2024 after a disastrous 2023 campaign. The Cardinals seem to be in a much better spot but health is going to be a major factor for the club.

Hopefully, Carlson can fully get back on the field soon and get back on track.

More MLB: Mets Reportedly Sign Ex-Cardinals Slugger To Minor League Deal

As the St. Louis Cardinals pitching staff begins to ramp up at spring training, fans can be hopeful that this upcoming season will have a different outcome.

This time last year, the Cardinals rotation looked very different and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak is looking forward to seeing how the rejuvenated arsenal performs.

Since successfully retooling the rotation with three veteran starters, St. Louis has been inactive in the starting pitching market and has passed on a golden opportunity to add depth for the future.

The latest missed opportunity comes at the hands of the division rival Milwaukee Brewers, who reportedly landed a two-year deal with right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff -- according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

Woodruff was non-tendered this offseason by Milwaukee and is expected to miss all of 2024 due to shoulder surgery.

The 30-year-old ace went 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA, 74-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .172 batting average against and a 0.82 WHIP in 67 innings across 11 starts before the injury last season.

The Cardinals had a rare chance to secure a top-tier starting pitcher for 2025 by signing Woodruff to a two-year contract that could have been spread out in a cost-effective agreement -- one season to rehab and the other to pitch.

With former American League Cy Young runner-up Sonny Gray being locked in for the next three seasons, it would have been wise to land Woodruff as an investment for the future. A starting pitching duo of Gray and a healthy Woodruff would have been a deadly combination.

Hopefully, the Cardinals' lack of involvement in the starting pitching market since replenishing the rotation won't come back to bite them in the future.

More MLB: Mets Reportedly Sign Ex-Cardinals Slugger To Minor League Deal

The New York Mets continue to add depth throughout the organization and reportedly signed a former member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

New York has spent much of the offseason looking for ways to add depth to the club with big-league upside without breaking the bank. The Mets made yet another move Saturday by reportedly signing veteran slugger Luke Voit to a minor league deal, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

"Luke Voit and the Mets are moving toward a minor league agreement," Sherman said. "Andy Martino reported first the sides were talking."

Voit was selected by the Cardinals in the 22nd round of the 2013 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft. He worked his way up the Cardinals' farm system and eventually made his big league debut with the club in 2017. 

The slugger didn't last long with St. Louis, though. The Cardinals traded him to the New York Yankees in 2018 for Chasen Shreve and Giovanny Gallegos. Voit had the most success of his big league career so far as a member of the Yankees. 

Voit became a regular with the team in 2019 and led the American League with 22 home runs during the 2020 COVID-shortened campaign. New York eventually traded Voit to the San Diego Padres in 2022 and he was traded to the Washington Nationals soon after. 

The 33-year-old spent the 2023 campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Mets. He bounced around between the big leagues and the minors. Voit appeared in 22 games at the big league level with Milwaukee and spent the rest of the season in the minors in the Brewers and Mets organizations.

More MLB: Rangers Likely Not Signing Postseason Star; Could Cardinals Reunite With Starter?

There are a surprising amount of top-tier free agents still available.

The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the most active teams in baseball since the 2023 campaign came to an end. St. Louis drastically improved both the rotation and bullpen but some have wondered if more moves could be on the way.

The National League Central division is vulnerable. St. Louis finished in last place last season with just 71 wins. While this is the case, the division is in a weaker spot and St. Louis already is seen by some as the best club in it. 

If St. Louis wants to truly compete for a World Series title, though, landing another starter could be necessary. One player who would make a lot of sense is Jordan Montgomery.

The big lefty shined with the Cardinals but was traded to the Texas Rangers last season. Montgomery is looking for a new deal and likely will land a large one. But, it doesn't sound like it will be with Texas, according to USA Today Sport's Bob Nightengale.

"After speculation that Jordan Montgomery could return to the Texas Rangers, GM Chris Young shot that down," Nightengale said. “I don’t think there are any additions coming at this point,” Young said at the opening of the Rangers’ camp. “Our payroll is at an all-time high [$243 million]. Ownership has shown a great willingness to spend. But there are limits to where that goes.” 

With each passing day that Montgomery remains available, it's possible his price tag drops. If it falls into a range that works for St. Louis, it certainly should get a deal done. Landing Montgomery and pairing him with Sonny Gray would drastically improve the club. 

Why not attempt a reunion?

More MLB: Diamondbacks Reportedly Sign Ex-Cardinals Outfielder To One-Year Deal

One former member of the St. Louis Cardinals reportedly will be joining the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024.

Free agency has been extremely slow since the 2023 campaign came to an end and there still are some impact players available looking for big league deals. Former Cardinals outfielder Randal Grichuk was one of the players looking for a new home.

He seems to have found one as the 32-year-old reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"Outfielder Randal Grichuk and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract that includes a mutual option for 2025, sources tell ESPN," Passan said. "The deal will pay Grichuk $1.5M this year and has a $6M option with a $500,000 buyout and performance bonuses."

Grichuk is a 10-year big league veteran who certainly can help the Diamondbacks. The 32-year-old was impressive in 2023 and spent time with the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels. He appeared in 118 games overall and clubbed 16 home runs, drove in 44 runs, and slashed .267/.321/.459.

He was selected by the Angels in the first round of the 2009 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and eventually made his big league debut with St. Louis in 2014. Grichuk spent the first four seasons of his big-league career with the Cardinals and eventually was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018.

It's unclear exactly what role he will play with Arizona, but landing a veteran like Grichuk could never hurt. 

More MLB: Ex-Brewers' Two-Time All-Star Available; Cardinals Are Possible Landing Spot

It wouldn't be too surprising to see the St. Louis Cardinals make another move or two.

St. Louis has significantly improved the club this offseason after an underwhelming 2023 season. The Cardinals made a specific effort to improve the organization's pitching depth and have done just that. 

There still are some other options out there that could help St. Louis. The Cardinals are in a much better spot for the 2024 campaign but the club should still be looking for ways to improve the club for the future.

One player who still remains available in free agency who could make sense is former Milwaukee Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff.

The 31-year-old will miss the 2024 season, but if he can return to form in 2025, he will add ace-level talent to a club on a cheap deal. He likely will land a two-year deal and St. Louis could make a lot of sense for him.

St. Louis has been mentioned as a fit for Woodruff on multiple occasions and he's still out there. Woodruff is a two-time All-Star and has a career 3.10 ERA in seven big league seasons. 

The Cardinals have improved the starting rotation on paper for the 2024 campaign but it's never too early to start looking ahead. Pairing a healthy Woodruff with Sonny Gray would be a great place to start for St. Louis in 2025. 

A lack of pitching depth has plagued the Cardinals and was the biggest reason why the team struggled in 2023. Woodruff still is out there and could help St. Louis. 

More MLB: Nationals Reportedly Sign Ex-Cardinals Pitcher To Minor League Contract

The St. Louis Cardinals made some notable changes from last trade deadline through spring training, shedding ties with some important pieces in order to retool and climb back into contention. 

Some of the players who were dealt were career-long Cardinals who -- at one point -- appeared to be on track to become staples of the organization. 

One homegrown hurler certainly fit that bill after showing his Cy Young-caliber arm in his first couple of seasons in the big leagues -- right-hander Jack Flaherty. 

After finishing fourth in National League Cy Young voting in 2019, he started to decline and underperform the massive expectations set upon him by early career success.

The Cardinals traded him to the Baltimore Orioles at last year's trade deadline and he's since signed with the Detroit Tigers. Despite moving on, however, the former Cardinals starter decided to pay tribute to a franchise legend with his new number.

"Jack Flaherty threw his first official side session today in Tigers camp. He picked No. 45 in part for Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, who talked a lot with him during his early years in St. Louis," MLB.com's Jason Beck shared Thursday.

The 28-year-old did not become a lifelong Cardinals hurler, following in the footsteps of Gibson. He did, however, dominate out of the gate and continues to show loyalty to the franchise that drafted him in the first round of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft.

Flaherty's ode to Gibson is a nice touch that will be well-received in the Cardinals community. 

More MLB: Former All-Star Starting Pitcher Available; Cardinals Would Be Logical Landing Spot

It sounds like the Washington Nationals are taking a chance on a former member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Former Cardinals pitcher Jacob Barnes elected free agency at the end of the 2023 season and has been looking for his next opportunity. He reportedly has found one and will be joining the Nationals on a minor league contract, according to MASN Sports' Mark Zuckerman.  

"Source: Nationals have signed (right-handed pitcher) Jacob Barnes to a minor-league deal," Zuckerman said. "33-year reliever has made 265 career appearances with 8 (Major League Baseball) clubs, including Cardinals last year."

Barnes has been a journeyman throughout his professional baseball career. He was selected in the 14th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He worked his way up through the Brewers' farm system and eventually made his big league debut with the team in 2016.

The righty spent the three-plus seasons of his big league career with Milwaukee and has bounced around ever since. He has seen time with the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and Cardinals ever since at the major league level. 

Barnes had a roller coaster of a 2023 campaign. He began the season in the minor leagues in the Texas Rangers organization but was released. Barnes quickly latched on with the Philadelphia Phillies on a minor league deal. 

The righty got released by Philadelphia and signed with St. Louis. Barnes appeared in 11 games with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds and had a 1.53 ERA. He was called up to the Cardinals and had a 5.93 ERA in 13 appearances. 

St. Louis took Barnes off the 40-man roster and was sent outright to the minors, but he opted for free agency instead.

More MLB: Cardinals Expecting Big Year Out Of 'Scary' Slugger After Breakout 2023 Season