The week started off with the St. Louis Cardinals signing old friend Lance Lynn to a contract.
Evidently, they are very much aware that if they want to go somewhere in 2024, they needed to add multiple talented pitchers to their staff.
With Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt still under contract, Willson Contreras raking from the catcher position, a healthy Brendan Donovan, and some contributions from their young players (mainly Jordan Walker), the Cardinals do have a chance to make some noise in 2024.
They won’t go anywhere without pitching, though.
A few hours after securing the return of Lynn, the Cardinals made another move: they added fellow right-hander Kyle Gibson.
“Kyle Gibson is in agreement with the Cardinals as @BNightengale reported. It’s for a year at $12 million plus a team option, sources tell ESPN,” MLB insider Jesse Rogers tweeted.
Kyle Gibson is in agreement with the Cardinals as @BNightengale reported. It’s for a year at $12 million plus a team option, sources tell ESPN.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 21, 2023
Gibson pitched for the 101-win Baltimore Orioles in 2023.
His 4.73 ERA doesn’t tell the whole story.
He had a 15-9 win-loss record and pitched 192 innings, one of the highest totals in the American League.
By being available to take the ball every fifth day, he provided a lot of value for the young Orioles.
Now, the Cardinals are hoping he can show the same rubber arm in St. Louis and eat some quality innings.
If Gibson pitches close to his 4.54 career ERA for 180-190 innings, the signing would be a successful one for the team.
They still need a top option, someone who more accurately resembles the word “ace”.
They had one in Jordan Montgomery, but traded him before the deadline.
He happens to be a free agent, too.
Let’s see what they can do but their offseason is off to a good start.
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