The St. Louis Cardinals are as deep as any team when it comes to starting pitchers. However, with so many question marks surrounding the rotation, they are actively scanning the market for at least one more starter. This new development was first reported by Mark Feinsand and later confirmed by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
After the Cardinals traded for Nolan Arenado earlier in the week, there was speculation that the team would make more roster additions. John Mozeliak hinted at the idea, and Gateway City Sports explored what that might look like. Those moves are beginning to take shape.
According to Goold, the Cardinals are now linked to free-agent right-hander Jake Odorizzi. The Cardinals have been known to have an interest in him in the past. The addition of Odorizzi would shore up the starting five and give the Cardinals more assurance. The only known quantities right now are ace Jack Flaherty and franchise icon Adam Wainwright.
Odorizzi would likely slot in as the third starter with Miles Mikolas fourth. The final spot would be filled by one of Carlos Martinez, Kwang Hyun Kim, Alex Reyes, or Daniel Ponce DeLeon.
Fowler Shipped to LA
In a surprise move late Thursday night, Dexter Fowler was traded to the Angels for a player to be named later. In addition, the Angels confirmed they are also getting cash considerations from the Cardinals. According to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press, the Cardinals will pay all but $1.75 million of Fowler’s salary this year to the Angels. The move brings the Cardinals 40-man roster down to 36. The team can either fill this roster spot from the outside or clear the outfield logjam for their younger players.
One thing is for sure. Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak is not letting off the gas as he continues to make moves in order to build a championship roster. Gateway City Sports will continue to monitor these situations and provide updates as we receive them.