Rockies Officially Sign Cardinals Free-Agent Hurler, Ending Reunion Hopes

A former St. Louis pitcher is off the market

The St. Louis Cardinals went into this offseason with finding starting pitching at the top of their priority list.

After signing three veteran starters, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak announced that the club was satisfied with the bolstered rotation but would keep an open mind to other possibilities.

One scenario that would bring back a former Cardinals hurler is officially off the table after a National League foe has picked him up.

The Colorado Rockies have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Dakota Hudson, the team announced Friday.

Hudson recorded a 38-20 record with a 3.84 ERA, 315-to-215 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .252 batting average against, and 1.39 WHIP throughout his six-season career for the Cardinals.

The 29-year-old was non-tendered by St. Louis this winter after a season in which he bounced back and forth between Triple-A Memphis and the big leagues.

The homegrown talent was part of the Cardinals' rotation issues in 2023 as he posted a 4.98 ERA with a 1.50 WHIP in 81 1/3 innings pitched.

It seems that the Cardinals wanted to move in a different direction by adding more proven talent to the rotation whom they knew they could rely on -- Hudson did not fit that mold. 

There's still a chance for St. Louis to reunite with a former starter who would be a perfect addition to the Cardinals rotation -- hopefully, the organization will win the bid for him.

More MLB: Cardinals Reportedly Among Many Suiters Active In Bullpen Market