Free Agent Star Reportedly Seeking Deal In Range That Possibly Makes Sense For Cardinals

Could St. Louis swoop in and make a surprising move?

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a better spot right now but could another move make sense?

St. Louis significantly boosted its starting rotation by signing Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson early in free agency. The Cardinals likely are done adding with the 2024 season about to kick off, but another move could make sense. 

The Cardinals are expected to finish near the top of the National League Central standings and could even be back in the postseason in 2024. If the club could land another frontline starter, they could even be World Series contenders.

One of the top pitchers in baseball still is available in free agency. Two-time Cy Young Award Blake Snell still is looking for his next opportunity and was linked to the Cardinals at one point early in the offseason.

Snell has been looking for a massive deal but hasn't been able to get what he's looking for yet. It seems like things may be changing and now he may be open to a short-term deal like what Chicago Cubs star Cody Bellinger got, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"Snell via his camp is believed to have recently suggested a willingness to be flexible and listen to short-term offers with opt-outs, much like the deal star outfielder Cody Bellinger made to return to the Cubs," Heyman said. Meantime, talks continue while spring training does, too."

St. Louis certainly doesn't want to hand out a massive, long-term deal. But, if Snell is open to a short-term deal with a high annual value, why not take a chance on him? He is the exact type of player that could help put the Cardinals over the top.

The Cardinals still have payroll flexibility. If Snell were to agree to a deal like Bellinger, he could help the Cardinals in 2024 and possibly go back into free agency at the end of the campaign. 

St. Louis is loaded with talent and should be much better in 2024. Landing someone like Snell would be a game-changer.

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