3 free agents Cardinals will regret missing out on

Ryan Tepera

When Ryan Tepera signed a two-year contract worth $14 million with the Los Angeles Angels last week, it was a bit of a shock. Prior to the lockout, it was believed the St. Louis Cardinals were well on their way to signing the 34-year-old right-handed reliever.

According to FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray, the Cardinals will not pursue any other relief pitchers after all of the options they hoped to get signed with other teams. Murray noted the Cardinals believe they have all the pieces to compete, it will just be a matter of using the remaining time in Spring Training to figure out how those pieces will fit.

The Cardinals may regret not going after him more as there are lingering health concerns within the bullpen. Jordan Hicks and Ryan Helsley are returning to the bullpen after injuries shortened their 2021 seasons. Alex Reyes is out indefinitely due to a torn labrum.

The Cardinals do have Nick Wittgren, Giovanny Gallegos, Genesis Cabrera, and T.J. McFarland for their bullpen as well as some lesser-known arms from the minor league affiliates that may step up to help.

Tepera would have provided a veteran arm for the bullpen. While they lost out on his potential, Murray noted the Cardinals won’t hesitate to make a move at the trade deadline if a reliever is still needed.