Cardinals Reportedly Could Land Underrated Red Sox Hurler This Winter

St. Louis could land one of the Red Sox's top pitchers this offseason in free agency

The St. Louis Cardinals already have stated that they are looking to add at least three new starting pitchers this offseason.

While big names like Minnesota Twins ace Sonny Gray, Philadelphia Phillies star Aaron Nola, or even Orix Buffaloe star Yoshinobu Yamamoto have been linked to the Cardinals, the club probably can't sign all three. St. Louis could go big for one or two stars but then likely will need to opt for a cheaper option.

Upcoming Boston Red Sox free agent James Paxton could be just the type of hurler St. Louis needs and the club is seen as a top landing spot, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.  

"James Paxton made five starts in 2020, one start in 2021, and no starts in 2022, but he took the mound for 19 starts this year for Boston going 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA," Bowden said. "He struck out 101 in 96 innings and allowed 93 hits. From 2017 through 2019, he averaged 27 starts a season with an ERA well below 4.00. In the first half of this season, Paxton went 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA, but he was hit hard in the second half (2-4, 6.98 ERA) and many (general managers) were surprised the Red Sox didn't trade him at the deadline, when he had solid value. Paxton was shut down for the remainder of the season in September because of right knee inflammation. 

"Best fits: (Los Angeles Dodgers), (Tampa Bay Rays), (Minnesota Twins), Cardinals, and (Los Angeles Dodgers). Contract predictions: one year, $8 million with incentives." 

If St. Louis could sign Paxton to the deal Bowden predicted, it would free up plenty of money to be used elsewhere -- possibly for both Gray and Nola. The Cardinals' offense already is impressive so the club just needs to focus on pitching. If the Cardinals could land Paxton, as well as a duo like Gray and Nola it could be just what they need to make it back to the postseason. 

Paxton was Boston's best pitcher at times throughout the 2023 campaign but struggled with injuries down the stretch which impacted his overall stats. He's certainly someone St. Louis should be considering on a cheap deal. 

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