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St. Louis Cardinals: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid

By Steven Kubitza

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 08: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on September 8, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Red Sox won 5-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 08: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on September 8, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Red Sox won 5-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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Brad Hand, Cleveland Indians
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

2. Brad Hand

Brad Hand was let go by the Cleveland Indians in a bit of a surprise move considering he would have cost $10 million in 2020. This appears to point toward a lowered reliever market this offseason.

Hand led the league with 16 saves in 2020 and was an All-Star during his time in Cleveland. He sported a 2.78 ERA in just over two seasons with the team and had a K/9 of 13.0.

The Cardinals aren’t desperate for help in the bullpen. What stands out here is Hand potentially being available for less than $10 million per year. He will only turn 31 years old in March and has made three All-Star Games since 2017.

Andrew Miller hit his vesting option for 2021 and is set to make $12 million. Hand can join the bullpen for much cheaper and be a late-inning guy who has plenty of experience.

Some Cardinals fans may want more time to go to the likes of Alex Reyes, Genesis Cabrera and John Gant. Adding Hand would be an affordable move that only increases the talent available in the bullpen.

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