The St. Louis Cardinals appear set for a long-overdue rebuild this offseason. After several seasons of trying to stay competitive, the organization’s new leadership seems prepared to focus on the future — a move that could ultimately put the team in a stronger position.
At last year’s trade deadline, the Cardinals dealt several players on expiring contracts, bringing in a few promising prospects in exchange for Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz. As this offseason gets underway, more trades could be on the horizon, though St. Louis may also look to make a few minor additions to round out the roster.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently suggested the Cardinals could sign Zack Littell of the Cincinnati Reds to a three-year, $40 million deal this offseason.
“Since becoming a full-time starter midway through the 2023 campaign, Littell has been quietly solid, making 75 starts with a 3.67 ERA—on par with Nick Pivetta (3.70 ERA in 73 starts) and Pablo López (3.67 ERA in 78 starts),” Miller wrote. “He also just turned 30 in October and is the pitcher from this tier who presents the best case for moving up to the “No. 2 options” level. Could end up being one of the biggest steals of the offseason.”
The Cardinals could shop Sonny Gray this winter. With Gray likely on the move, the Cardinals will need to add a veteran to replace him on the roster. Their top prospects seemingly aren’t ready for the big leagues at this point, so they could sign a player like Littell to bridge the gap between the current team and the future team.
Littell should be affordable. A three-year, $40 million deal would fit him perfectly while also fitting the Cardinals. Stealing him from the rival Reds would be the cherry on top for St. Louis.
There are other veterans for the Cardinals to explore if they whiff on Littell. But at the end of the day, they need to add a veteran bridge pitcher this winter.
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