The Cardinals are reportedly in talks with club over a top class pitcher to bolster rotation
Could the Cardinals acquire the former Astros pitcher this offseason?
The St. Louis Cardinals have made a few moves this offseason, but they could still use some help.
The Cardinals’ biggest need right now remains in the bullpen. St. Louis has made some intriguing additions to its bullpen, but another addition or two could be beneficial.
St. Louis had one of the worst bullpens in baseball last season, and there are still some intriguing options available who could be brought in on a cheap contract. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis has “ongoing talks” with former Houston Astros pitcher Phil Maton.
“I can only stick with the previous reports from the Post-Dispatch, ones that I’ve put in the paper previously because I’ve had sources confirm the Cardinals’ interest to the level required for reporting in the Post-Dispatch,” Goold said in a statement. “The Cardinals have had ongoing talks with Maton, an Illinois native, and they are one of several teams that have engaged in talks for right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier.”
Maton has performed admirably for the Astros over the last two seasons. In 2023, he had a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances for Houston, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 74-to-25.
If the Cardinals can sign Maton, he could significantly improve the team’s bullpen. He has seven years of big league experience, a 4.25 ERA, and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 398-to-136.
St. Louis is already in a better position, but adding a reliever of Maton’s caliber would undoubtedly help.