Cardinals Linked To Trio Of 'Affordable' Options To Bolster Rotation This Winter

St. Louis could use some new faces in their pitching staff

One of the headlines of the 2023 season was the St. Louis Cardinals' lack of pitching, but changes could be underway this offseason. 

Putting the trade market on the back burner and looking at free agency, the Cardinals are poised to make a splash to shake up their rotation. Furthermore, a slew of hurlers were rumored to be quality additions to the pitching staff.  

"Former Mizzou standout Kyle Gibson, who compiled a 2.6 WAR in 2023 with the (Baltimore) Orioles at age 36, could be more of a more affordable option, as would be Michael Lorenzen and Kenta Maeda," MLB.com's John Denton wrote Wednesday. (Jack) Flaherty and (Jordan) Hicks could consider returning on short-term deals."

Lorenzen (9-9, 4.18 ERA) would be the top arm of the bunch, Maeda (6-8, 4.23) is not far behind and Gibson (15-9, 4.73 ERA) would be more of a classic innings eater after logging 192 innings last season across 33 starts.

Any of the aforementioned arms would be fairly low-cost, meaning St. Louis could be paired with a bigger arm such as Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, San Diego Padres' Blake Snell or maybe even a reunion with Jordan Montgomery. Aside from a favorable price tag, each hurler would be a reliable option, providing a higher floor for the Cardinals' pitching.

With a pair of hurlers potentially on the move, making an offer to Gibson, Lorenzen or Maeda should come soon before they get swept up by another club. Free agency kicks off on Tuesday.

More MLB: Cardinals Insider: 'No Ruling Out' Reunion With Pair Of Ex-Cardinals Stars