3 additions Cardinals can make after Albert Pujols signed with Dodgers
By Scott Rogust
The reunion is not happening after Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. However, the St. Louis Cardinals can pivot to adding one of these three players.
Over a week ago, the league was stunned to find out that the Los Angeles Angels had released first baseman and bona fide Hall-of-Famer Albert Pujols in the final year of his contract. Many believed that Pujols would find a way to reunite with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he began his illustrious MLB career. In fact, the Cardinals reportedly had interest in signing Pujols.
The dream of a reunion ended on Saturday, as reports indicated that Pujols decided to sign with the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cardinals did not desperately need Pujols, as they sit in first-place in the NL Central as of this writing. But if they are looking to add talent to put them overboard in the league, they could pivot to adding one of these three players.
3. RHP Brad Peacock
When it comes to making a deep run in the postseason, you can never have enough pitching depth. If we were the Cardinals, we would consider making a run at Brad Peacock, the former Houston Astro.
Last year was less than ideal for Peacock, as he pitched a grand total of three games before his season ended due to shoulder injuries. He did undergo arthroscopic surgery back in the fall, but is considered healthy to throw this season.
When healthy, Peacock is a consistently solid arm. Back in 2019, Peacock accumulated a 4.12 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, a 7-6 record, 96 strikeouts and 31 walks in 91.2 innings of work (23 games). The year prior to that, Peacock owned a 3.46 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through 61 games.
It never hurts to have too much pitching depth, and if the Cardinals want to make one last run to the World Series with Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, then they should sign Peacock.