Padres Close To Signing Cardinals Bullpen Target In Disappointing Development

St. Louis is likely to miss out on a coveted reliever

The St. Louis Cardinals' offseason agenda has pivoted to bolstering the bullpen after replenishing their rotation earlier this winter.

Unfortunately, the Cardinals have not made any major splashes in the relief market yet and are missing out on opportunities.

A suitable depth option for St. Louis might be missed as recent reports indicate a National League foe is nearing a deal with the reliever.

"Korean right-hander Woo Suk Go close to signing with (San Diego) Padres," New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Tuesday.

Woo-suk posted a 3-8 record with a 3.68 ERA, 59-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 1.36 WHIP in 44 innings pitched for the LG Twins last season.

The 25-year-old is not the high-leverage hurler the Cardinals are looking for but he would be a cost-effective depth addition.

The international talent would be the second consecutive overseas reliever the Padres signed whom the Cardinals were looking to acquire but missed their chance. Japanese closer Yuki Matsui reportedly was of interest in St. Louis before agreeing to join San Diego as well.

The Cardinals recently acquired Nick Robertson and Victor Santos from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for outfielder Tyler O'Neill, but the two right-handed pitchers are still developing in the minors and might not have much of an impact at the major league level next season.

With Opening Day less than three months away, the Cardinals will have to make moves soon if they hope to have a better bullpen in 2024.

More MLB: Cardinals Linked To Trio Of High-Leverage Relievers To Help Fix Bullpen