This offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals have significantly strengthened their bullpen, but more needs to be done.
After a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, St. Louis acquired former All-Star Andrew Kittredge, but the team still needs to add one or two more relievers to strengthen its bullpen.
The Cardinals are one of the few teams actively pursuing free agents, and they have lately stated that they are looking to add bullpen depth. According to reports, St. Louis doesn’t want to make big purchases or award a contract worth more than $5 million annually.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, there are still a ton of good choices that fall within their price bracket and have the potential to strengthen the bullpen. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Ryan Brasier, a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Angels, is one player that has been connected to the Cardinals.
“Ryan Brasier market: Cardinals, (Baltimore Orioles), (Texas Rangers), Dodgers, Angels, (Chicago Cubs),” said Heyman. “Brasier’s 2023 Dodgers ERA was 0.70 (627 ERA plus).
St. Louis has been connected to the veteran this offseason before. Seven-year veteran Brasier had a successful season in 2023. With Boston, Brasier’s season didn’t get off to a good start as he was released after 20 appearances with a 7.29 ERA.
After signing a minor league contract with the Dodgers, he advanced back to the major leagues. After making 39 appearances with Los Angeles, the 36-year-old absolutely turned things around, with a 0.70 ERA and a 38-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Although Brasier appeared to be headed out of the major leagues, he is currently one of the most sought-after free agents. He might be a good addition for St. Louis if he could maintain the hot streak he started with Los Angeles at the close of the season.
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