The Cardinals are ‘On The Hunt’ for an Elite Flamethrower to Bolster Bullpen

The Cardinals appear to be in position to sign one of the most interesting free-agent relievers.

The St. Louis Cardinals have already upgraded their starting rotation this offseason, and they must now focus on the bullpen.

In 2023, St. Louis’ bullpen ERA was ranked 23rd, and the team needs to sign at least one or two high-level additions to help correct this. The Cardinals’ improved rotation should assist as hypothetically there will be less burden on the bullpen, but additions need to be made.

One player St. Louis reportedly is pursuing is former Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays flamethrower Jordan Hicks, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold.

“I don’t get the sense they’re pursuing (Jordan Montgomery),” Goold said. “He would fall under the free-agent umbrella, to which (John Mozeliak) has said he ‘doubts’ adding another free-agent pitcher. That would include the lefty. Hicks is another matter.

“He’s in the mix for a return as one of the relievers the Cardinals are trying to add. I don’t have a feel for a power ranking on that group, to be honest. I know they’ve had conversations with a handful of agents. But to the point of making offers? That had not happened yet, based on the description I received in Nashville. If that’s changed, it’s changed in the past day or so.”

Hicks has been linked to the Cardinals on multiple occasions at this point and it isn’t surprising. The 27-year-old spent the first four-plus seasons of his career in St. Louis before being traded to the Blue Jays this past season.