Orioles ‘Have Contacted’ Ex-Cardinals Hurler, Potentially Blocking Reunion
The St. Louis Cardinals have focused all of their attention thus far on retooling the starting rotation.
While the rotation had to be and should remain the priority, the bullpen could use a couple of upgrades as well.
One of the most logical fits would be a former Cardinal who is expected to be among the most coveted relievers in free agency. For a reunion to take place, St. Louis will have to strike a deal before other suitors, and it might be behind the eight ball.
The Baltimore Orioles have contacted free-agent flamethrower Jordan Hicks in their wide-ranging pursuit of an upgraded bullpen according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
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 is as physically gifted as any pitcher in baseball and has a rare combination of a proven track record paired with youth. The Cardinals reportedly attempted to extend Hicks prior to trading him at last season's Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.
Given that Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak wanted to retain Hicks in July -- and he's only improved his play since departing from St. Louis -- it's fair to assume that he will explore re-signing the high-leverage hurler.
That pursuit will not come cheap, as the Orioles will be far from the only team in the sweepstakes.
More MLB: Cardinals Remain Among Favorites To Sign Premier Hurler Despite Sonny Gray Deal
