3 more former Cardinals John Mozeliak can bring home after Lance Lynn

The St. Louis Cardinals first major offseason move was an underwhelming one. John Mozeliak and the Cards front office signed former St. Louis pitcher Lance Lynn to a one-year deal with a second-year club option.

Lynn struggled at times last season, giving up home runs in seemingly every start. Much of that can be blamed on the teams around him, but it's clear he's not longer in the prime of his career. Lynn had a 6.47 ERA with the Chicago White Sox, but vastly improved once he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching to a 4.36 ERA in 11 starts.

Some of Lynn's best seasons came with the St. Louis Cardinals early in his career. He made an All-Star team, and never had an ERA over four. A return back to a familiar setting could help Lynn find his groove. However, given Mozeliak's commentary this offseason regarding the Cards need for at least two top-end starting pitchers, Lynn doesn't really qualify. St. Louis needs more, and that starts by bringing several other former Cards back home.

St. Louis Cardinals could re-sign Jack Flaherty for cheap

If the Cardinals are looking to build up their rotation from scratch, Jack Flaherty is an intriguing option. Flaherty was traded to the Baltimore Orioles as a rental at the deadline. In Baltimore, he faltered despite a hot start with the O's. Because of those same struggles, Flaherty could likely be had on a similar prove-it deal as Lynn, if not for even less money.

The answer to the Cards pitching woes is not bringing back former pitchers exclusively, however. That much is obvious. However, Flaherty did hint at an eventual St. Louis reunion when he was traded to Baltimore.

"Some of it’s not in my control, and we’ve had our opportunities and our chances -- but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be open to it,” Flaherty told Derrick Goold in regards to contract talks. “All these guys here and we know what this team has. Nolan (Arenado) for a couple of more years. Goldy (Paul Goldschmidt) at least one more. You see what the offense can do. So, whatever is going to give me a chance to win, and here they’ve got the guys to do it.”

Flaherty had a 6.75 ERA with Baltimore. He didn't even make the postseason rotation. A return home could do him some good.