Ex-Blue Jays All-Star To Toss Bullpen Session For Clubs; Cardinals Could Make Sense

Should the Cardinals take a look into the former Blue Jays All-Star?
Ex-Blue Jays All-Star To Toss Bullpen Session For Clubs; Cardinals Could Make Sense
Ex-Blue Jays All-Star To Toss Bullpen Session For Clubs; Cardinals Could Make Sense /

The St. Louis Cardinals already have added three starting pitchers this offseason but could it make sense to add even more depth?

St. Louis' biggest issue last season was its starting rotation. The Cardinals had one of their worst seasons in recent memory and the rotation arguably was the biggest reason why. St. Louis dealt with injuries and inconsistent play and it showed as the club had just 71 wins.

The Cardinals added Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson this offseason but it could make sense to add even more depth if the right move comes around.

One player who could make sense as a bounce-back candidate on a minor league deal is former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Aaron Sanchez.

The 31-year-old former first-round draft pick is looking for his next opportunity and reportedly will throw a bullpen for possible suitors, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

"Right-hander Aaron Sanchez is throwing a bullpen for teams on Feb. 9 at Summers Method in Clearwater, FL," Murray said. "Sanchez, who was an All-Star in 2016, most recently pitched in the majors in 2022 and has a 4.16 ERA in eight career seasons."

Sanchez last pitched at the big league level with the Washington Nationals and Minnesota Twins in 2022 and appeared in 15 total games and had a 6.60 ERA and 41-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

He is looking to work his way back up after struggling over the last few seasons. A signing could make sense for St. Louis to a minor league deal if he's fully healthy. 

Sanchez has a career 4.16 ERA in eight seasons at the big league level and is just 31 years old. If St. Louis could land him on a minor-league deal, there wouldn't be much risk. He could provide depth in the minors and if he were to get back to form, maybe get a call-up if St. Louis dealt with a plethora of injuries again.

The Cardinals saw last year what a lack of depth can do to a franchise. Why not take a chance on a former All-Star?

More MLB: Cardinals Insider Doesn't Rule Out Another Possible Addition Of Star Pitcher


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu