Former All-Star Starting Pitcher Available; Cardinals Would Be Logical Landing Spot
The St. Louis Cardinals are not expected to make any big-money moves prior to finalizing their Opening Day roster but still could make some under-the-radar additions in the coming weeks.
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak appears to feel confident with a starting rotation featuring Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn -- whether that is wise or not.
With that said, there are some intriguing arms on the market who could notably bolster the pitching staff without breaking the bank. One of those hurlers currently is seeking a new deal.
"Free agent right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi, an All-Star starter in 2019, is throwing without restrictions and looking to sign a major league deal in the coming weeks," MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Monday. "Odorizzi, 33, has pitched off the mound this offseason in front of evaluators from 10 to 12 teams."
Odorizzi posted a 4.40 ERA with an 86-to-35 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .258 batting average against and a 1.33 WHIP in 106 1/3 innings between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves in 2022.
The veteran had surgery on his throwing shoulder which took him out for the entirety of the 2023 season but could be an impactful addition if he could produce anywhere close to his career numbers -- 74-69 with a 3.99 ERA (103 ERA+) across 11 seasons.
The Cardinals would be wise to take a shot on Odorizzi on a team-friendly deal to improve upon their current depth with a player who could very realistically become a mainstay in the rotation this season.
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