All-Star Ace Reportedly On Cardinals 'Wish List' List Upcoming Offseason

Does it make sense for the Cardinals to pursue the former All-Star?

The St. Louis Cardinals could end up making a major splash this upcoming offseason in the starting pitching market. 

St. Louis will need to essentially completely retool the starting rotation this offseason as the club needs to fill at least three spots. The Cardinals are loaded with offensive talent but the rotation arguably was the biggest reason for the club's surprising struggles this season. St. Louis will be very active and reportedly is interested in signing Philadelphia Phillies star Aaron Nola this upcoming offseason, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold.

"Phillies’ ace Aaron Nola, part of the tandem that ousted the Cardinals a year ago, is set to be a free agent this November," Goold said. "He is on the Cardinals’ wish list to pursue, if not at the top of it, sources have described."

Nola -- who has had a down year himself -- would be a perfect addition for the Cardinals. The one-time All-Star has somewhat struggled this season and has compiled a 4.62 ERA for Philadelphia, but has a career 3.74 ERA in nine big league seasons. Nola has been one of the most consistent starters in the National League since making his debut in 2015 so it's certainly possible this season has been a fluke. 

All in all, Nola will be a free agent and would be an upgrade for St. Louis. Plus, the fact that he's not had the best year could lower his cost. From 2017-2022 Nola compiled a 3.48 ERA across 170 starts. If he can return to that form in 2024, he could help take the Cardinals to the next level if St. Louis can bring him to town.

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