Cardinals Reportedly Showing Interest In Reunion With Highly-Coveted Hurler
Now that the St. Louis Cardinals have successfully revived the rotation with the latest acquisitions, the focus is on retooling the bullpen.
The Cardinals' bullpen struggled last season -- ranking No. 23 overall with a 4.47 ERA -- and could use a high-leverage hurler or two as well as some added depth.
Recent reports indicate that St. Louis is eyeing a reunion with a hard-throwing reliever to help replenish the Cardinals' bullpen.
"(Jordan) Hicks also is drawing interest from his hometown (Houston) Astros, his former Cardinals team, and the (Texas) Rangers," New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Monday.
Hicks posted a 3-9 record with a 3.29 ERA, 81-to-32 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .231 batting average against, and 1.36 WHIP in 65 2/3 innings pitched for the Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays last season.
The 27-year-old was dealt to Toronto at last year's trade deadline in exchange for Double-A right-handers Sem Robberse and Adam Kloffenstein -- a move made partly due to Hicks' impending free agency.
The triple-digit velocity hurler was on fire before leaving St. Louis but the organization was unable to reach a contract extension with Hicks -- resulting in him being traded.
Bringing back the right-hander would supplement the Cardinals with a high-leverage arm that the club can rely on late in the game.
Will the Cardinals be able to land a deal to bring back one of the hottest relievers on the market?
More MLB: Here's What Cardinals Reportedly Are Looking For In Trade For Outfielder Tyler O'Neill
