Ex-Braves Stud Available In Free Agency; Cardinals Could Pursue To Improve Bullpen

Should the Cardinals pursue the former Braves reliever this offseason?

The St. Louis Cardinals need to improve the bullpen. 

St. Louis had the 23rd-ranked bullpen ERA in 2023 with a disappointing 4.47. The 2023 campaign saw the Cardinals take a step back seemingly in every area of the roster. In 2022, the Cardinals had the 11th-best bullpen ERA in baseball at 3.61 but struggled in 2023. 

One of the biggest reasons for St. Louis' struggles was the fact that the starting rotation was one of the worst in baseball. The Cardinals' bullpen had much more strain on it because the starters failed to go deep into games. 

Another thing that hurt the bullpen was the fact that St. Louis was one of the biggest sellers ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. The Cardinals dealt with a depleted roster and things just didn't pan out for them.

St. Louis is attempting to change things and already has improved the rotation by landing Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. Now the Cardinals are turning their focus to improving the bullpen.

One player who is available in free agency that could make sense for the Cardinals to target is former Atlanta Braves hurler Collin McHugh.

The 36-year-old is a free agent and is projected to receive a contract with an annual value of just over $4.5 million, according to Spotrac. St. Louis certainly could afford a deal like this in free agency.

McHugh had a down year in 2023 with a 4.30 ERA in 41 appearances but logged a 2.60 ERA in 58 outings with the Braves in 2022. He's certainly a bounce-back candidate. He has 11 years of big league experience under his belt and a career 3.72 ERA. St. Louis certainly should at least look into a signing.

More MLB: Braves Reportedly Cut Ex-Cardinals All-Star After Recent Trade, Inconsistent 2023 Season