The St. Louis Cardinals’ recent acquisition of Sonny Gray seems to mark a shift in their strategic focus, indicating a reduced emphasis on bolstering their starting pitching.
The team underwent a significant transformation in their starting rotation over a brief period, actively pursuing three free-agent starting pitchers to strengthen their roster.
This move has undoubtedly enhanced the team’s overall pitching depth, making them more formidable from the top of the rotation to their bench.
Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, expresses satisfaction with the current starting lineup, stating, “We feel like we have a strong five right now.”
He believes they have sufficient depth with three or four additional pitchers capable of providing support throughout the season. Despite this contentment, Mozeliak acknowledges the unpredictable nature of baseball and does not rule out the possibility of further adjustments if an opportunity arises.
In a recent interview with Spectrum News’ Gregg Palermo before the Winter Meetings, Mozeliak reveals a shift in focus towards strengthening the bullpen just days before the onset of free agency.
While the Cardinals’ rotation has notably improved since the conclusion of the 2023 season, it was the pitching staff on Opening Day that contributed to the team’s first last-place finish since 1990. A comparison between the previous rotation and the current one reveals similarities, with Sonny Gray, Jordan Montgomery, Kyle Gibson, Jack Flaherty, Lance Lynn, and Adam Wainwright playing comparable roles.
The trio of Gray, Gibson, and Lynn performed better than their predecessors, but the upgrade appears to be incremental.
Considering the back-loaded nature of Gray’s contract and the one-year commitments to Lynn and Gibson, there is a suggestion that the Cardinals should explore additional options in the caliber of Eduardo Rodriguez, Marcus Stroman, or Shota Imanga.
Mozeliak is credited with assembling a formidable rotation, leveraging the team’s offensive strength. However, there is a recognition that another impact pitcher could prove beneficial in turning around a team that finished last in the previous season.
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