Cardinals Could Sign Cuban Star To Bolster Bullpen Depth For 2023 Season

It might not be too late for the St. Louis Cardinals to strengthen their bullpen with external options despite having Opening Day behind us.

While the majority of the free-agent market is tapped, a highly talented international hurler recently broke off all previous contracts and is searching for a Major League Baseball opportunity.

"Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez left his contract with the Chunichi Dragons and the Cuban Baseball Federation and will seek to sign with an MLB team in the near future," MLB insider Francys Romero tweeted Tuesday. "Rodríguez arrived in the Dominican Republic a few hours ago."

The 26-year-old is coming off an impressive World Baseball Classic performance for Cuba. He posted a 2.45 ERA with a 10-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio and .200 batting average against in 7 1/3 innings across two starts.

More importantly, Rodríguez dominated on a much larger sample size in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League last season.

The flamethrower -- who sits in the upper 90s with his fastball and features a slider and splitter -- posted a 1.15 ERA with a 60-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 0.92 WHIP in 54 2/3 innings for the Dragons last season.

With right-hander Giovanny Gallegos currently battling back stiffness and the overall pitching depth considered a question mark on the roster, it would make a lot of sense to invest in the young gun with a lot of potential.

Romero mentioned that Rodríguez likely is looking to start in the MLB after being stretched out in the WBC but frankly, the Cardinals could use him either way. A multi-inning, high-leverage reliever would be a massive addition, as would a legitimate middle-of-the-rotation starter. The right-hander has the potential to be either.

More MLB: Two Important Cardinals Players Already Dealing With Injuries After Opening Day Loss