Former All-Star Pitcher Reportedly Available; Could He Be Answer To Cardinals' Problems?

Should the Cardinals consider signing a former All-Star pitcher?

The St. Louis Cardinals certainly are going to be busy this upcoming offseason.

St. Louis will have at least three spots in the starting rotation to fill and it likely will be one of the most active teams in the free agent and trade markets. The Cardinals already have made it known they will be looking for pitching and one hurler who could be a possible target reportedly is available now if St. Louis is interested in adding salary to the books at this time. 

The Los Angeles Angels made a slew of surprising moves Tuesday night, including reportedly placing former All-Star hurler Lucas Giolito on waivers, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

"BREAKING: The Los Angeles Angels have placed starter Lucas Giolito, relievers Matt Moore and Reynaldo López, and outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk on waivers, sources tell ESPN," Passan said. "Huge potential playoff implications: All can be claimed by teams for free on Thursday."

Giolito would be a perfect acquisition for the Cardinals. St. Louis was linked to the former All-Star ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline but the Angels blew the Chicago White Sox away with a package and nabbed the righty. The 29-year-old is set to enter free agency this upcoming offseason and likely will have a solid market. 

Now that Giolito is on waivers, any team could place a claim on him. The Cardinals could place a claim and possibly bring him in for the rest of the season and get a close look at him. If he could return to form, he likely would be a perfect fit in the Cardinals' 2024 starting rotation as the club looks to get back to the postseason. It's unclear if St. Louis will make a move, but it should at least consider bringing in Giolito.

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