MLB Insider Links Cardinals To Star Hurler; Could St. Louis Actually Make Big Splash In Offseason?

St. Louis could add a much-needed prominent hurler this offseason in free agency

The St. Louis Cardinals could be in the market for a major splash this upcoming offseason.

St. Louis certainly will need one if the club hopes to get back to the postseason in 2024. The Cardinals have had a down year, to say the least. St. Louis currently is in last place in the National League Central with a disappointing 61-78 record but that doesn't mean Cardinals fans shouldn't have hope for next year.

The Cardinals are loaded with offensive talent and are just a few moves away in the starting rotation from being competitive. St. Louis likely will need to add at least three hurlers this upcoming offseason and one intriguing ace the club has been linked to is Yokohama DeNA BayStars lefty Shōta Imanaga, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. 

"The determination that Imanaga will be posted doesn’t guarantee that he will sign with an MLB team, but that is viewed by industry sources as very likely given his ability level and the overall demand for pitching," Morosi said. "Imanaga, who threw a no-hitter last year, is 7-4 with a 2.57 ERA in 20 starts for Yokohama this season. He allowed two runs and fanned seven in six innings over three outings (one start) in the World Baseball Classic.

"Imanaga’s ability to miss bats will appeal to MLB scouts, and he’s poised to enter the market at an opportune time. The (New York Yankees), (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Cardinals are among the notable teams with significant rotation vacancies to fill this offseason."

If the Cardinals could land Imanaga this offseason, he would be a major lift. The 30-year-old has a career 2.97 ERA in eight professional seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. St. Louis need some help in the rotation and Imanaga could be just what the club needs.

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