Cardinals 'Strongly Linked' To Star Pitcher Despite Busy Offseason Already

It sounds like the Cardinals are still being linked to the top free agent pitcher available

The St. Louis Cardinals already have added the most pitchers in free agency this offseason but could another move be coming?

St. Louis has made it known that it likely was done adding starting pitching but there is a long offseason ahead of us and anything could happen. The Cardinals have added Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson and already have boosted their rotation.

At this point, the Cardinals likely are done adding starting pitching but still are being linked to the best pitcher available. Orix Buffaloes phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the most sought-after pitcher in free agency and has been mentioned as a fit for the Cardinals. They likely won't land him at this point but still are "strongly linked" to him, according to SNY's Andy Martino.

"The Yankees have long been a favorite over the Mets to sign Yamamoto, but the Cohen/Stearns trip seemed to have helped level the playing field," Martino said. "And of course, there is plenty of out-of-town competition.

"The (Los Angeles Dodgers), (San Francisco Giants), Cardinals, and (Chicago Cubs) are among the many teams strongly linked to Yamamoto. Multiple teams plan to top the highest offer, which – depending on who is speculating – could approach $300 million."

Yamamoto would be a massive signing for St. Louis but landing three hurlers already likely takes the Cardinals out of contention for his services. They always could surprise us, but if they were to make a move for a starter it would be more likely that it would be through trade.

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