Ex-All-Star Still Available; Cardinals Are Logical Land Spot At Right Price
The St. Louis Cardinals still could use another move or two.
St. Louis has significantly improved its starting rotation by bringing in Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. The rotation was the Cardinals' weakest area of the club last season and luckily progress already has been made.
At this point in the offseason, it would be shocking to see St. Louis make a large addition. While this is the case, there still are some intriguing mid-tier options available in free agency who could help the club.
One available player is former Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies hurler Michael Lorenzen. He is looking for a new opportunity and even threw a bullpen session in front of clubs recently, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.
"Free-agent pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard threw bullpen sessions for about 16 (Major League Baseball) teams in California on Tuesday, sources say," Murray said. "Both players impressed in the throwing sessions, with Syndergaard consistently sitting at 93-95 mph.
"Lorenzen, 32, is among the top options available outside of Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. With the Detroit Tigers, the right-hander posted a 3.58 ERA in 105.2 innings pitched. He threw a no-hitter in his second start with the Philadelphia Phillies following a midseason trade, only to post a 5.51 ERA in 11 games (seven starts)."
Lorenzen earned his first All-Star nod last season and could be a solid addition if the Cardinals decided to make another move. He wouldn't be very expensive, has plenty of National League Central experience, and is coming off arguably his best season.
St. Louis had very little depth last season. Why not add some more so the club doesn't have a similar issue in 2024?
More MLB: Ex-Mets All-Star Hosted Throwing Session For Clubs; Could Cardinals Land Hurler?