Ex-All-Star Could Be Option For Cardinals To Add Depth After Sonny Gray Injury

St. Louis' starting pitching depth already is being tested

The St. Louis Cardinals already are dealing with a similar problem as last year.

St. Louis entered the 2023 campaign loaded with talent but also had question marks about the starting rotation. Ultimately injuries and inconsistent play decimated the club and St. Louis had one of the worst seasons in recent memory.

The Cardinals added Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson in free agency but still have question marks. Gray will miss time -- although it's unclear how much -- and now the club's depth will be tested early. 

St. Louis' rotation without Gray doesn't stack up well with the other top clubs in the National League. The club could use another frontline starter -- like Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery -- but at this point, it seems like a major investment is unlikely.

The club still could add more depth, though, to avoid the same issues as last year. There still are multiple mid-tier options available with upside that could be had for a low cost.

One player who fits this description and could make sense for the Cardinals is six-time All-Star Zack Greinke. The 40-year-old may not be what he once was, but he still could add more depth to the back of the rotation.

Greinke had a 5.06 ERA last season with the Kansas City Royals in 30 appearances but had a 3.68 ERA in 2022. If he could pitch at the same level as he did in 2022 -- or even slightly worse -- he would be a very solid pickup and wouldn't cost much due to his age.

The 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner has made it known that he wants to pitch in 2024 but hasn't found his next opportunity yet. At this point in his career, he may not completely move the needly in St. Louis' favor, but he wouldn't hurt. 

St. Louis' depth already is being tested and it wouldn't hurt to add more.

More MLB: Cardinals Linked To Trio Of Starting Pitchers After Unfortunate Injury To Sonny Gray