Ex-Yankees Fireballer Available In Free Agency; Cardinals Could Pursue To Improve Bullpen

Would it make sense for the Cardinals to pursue the former Yankees fireballer?

The St. Louis Cardinals' starting rotation is in a much better place.

St. Louis entered the offseason after one of the worst seasons in team history and stressed that it would add at least three starters. The Cardinals have done just that and have brought in Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. 

Although the Cardinals are in a better spot already, they still have a lot of work they need to do. St. Louis has a real chance to make some noise in the National League Central thanks in large part to their potent offense.

St. Louis' additions to the rotations certainly raise the club's floor but another area the team needs to improve is the bullpen. The Cardinals have made it known that they are turning their focus to the bullpen and one player who could make sense to nab in free agency is former Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees fireballer Keynan Middleton.

St. Louis' had the 23rd-ranked bullpen ERA and landing someone like Middleton would be the perfect place to start in improving it. The fireballer began the 2023 season with the White Sox and eventually landed with the Yankees. Overall, he finished the season with a 3.38 ERA in 51 appearances. He shined after the trade deadline, though, and logged a 1.88 ERA with the Yankees in 12 appearances.

The 30-year-old wouldn't cost too much and has a projected market value of just over $7 million according to Spotrac. He would be a very intriguing pickup. His advanced metrics were off the charts last season. 

The free-agent bullpen market has been extremely slow this offseason but will heat up soon. A move for Middleton would be a very good place to start for St. Louis. 

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