Ex-Cardinals Hurler's Market Heating Up; Could Reunion Be In Play?
Could the St. Louis Cardinals put the finishing touches on their big-league roster by bringing back one of the most-coveted players from last season's roster?
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has expressed his desire to add some high-leverage bullpen pieces and reportedly would like to add one more after trading for Andrew Kittredge last week.
One of the top relievers available reportedly is starting to receive some serious interest and could be close to picking his next team.
"Jordan Hicks market picking up," The New York Post's Jon Heyman wrote Tuesday night. "Most of the best relievers remain free. (Josh) Hader is the top guy but there’s also Hicks, (Robert) Stephenson, (Phil) Maton, (Aroldis) Chapman, Matt Moore, (Ryan) Brasier, (Jakob) Junis, (John) Brebbia, (Shintaro) Fujinami, (Brad) Hand, more."
Hicks posted a 3.29 ERA with an 81-to-32 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .231 batting average against and 1.36 WHIP in 65 2/3 innings last season between the Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays.
The 27-year-old could contribute to a bullpen that already features impressive hurlers such as Ryan Helsley, Giovanny Gallegos, Jojo Romero and Kittredge. While the concept is nice and St. Louis had shown interest in keeping Hicks long-term both at the trade deadline and in free agency, don't hold your breath.
The Cardinals do not plan to make any more notable additions to the payroll and are looking for a cost-effective reliever in the $5 million range. Realistic options under that criteria would include Maton, Moore and Brasier among others.
More MLB: Ex-Cardinals Reliever Available After Strong Season; Reunion Would Make Sense
