MLB Rumors: Dylan Cease trade sleeper, Cardinals spending big, Yankees balking Bellinger
- An NL Central team floated as Dylan Cease landing spot
- Cardinals are still aiming for a big-name starting pitcher
- Yankees concerned with one aspect of Cody Bellinger's game
By Scott Rogust
MLB Rumors: Cardinals expected to land a top free-agent starting pitcher after Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson signings
The St. Louis Cardinals entered this winter needing three starting pitchers due to their trades of Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery at the deadline and Adam Wainwright's retirement. Early on this offseason, the Cardinals filled two spots in their starting rotation, but it didn't really excite the fanbase.
First of, the Cardinals signed former Los Angeles Dodgers starter Lance Lynn to a one-year, $11 million contract, which includes an $11 million club option for 2025. Then, the team signed former Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Gibson to a one-year, $12 million contract, which includes a $12 million club option in 2025. Cardinals fans weren't exactly thrilled and leaping in the air with joy after these signings. But there's some hope for fans to be excited.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden answered questions about the Hot Stove season in a mailbag column. When asked about whether the team will trade for Tyler Glasnow or Shane Bieber due to their belief they could be outbid for the remaining top starting pitchers available in free agency. Bowden says that while he could see the team trading for a starting pitcher, he also believes there's a chance they could sign one of the top free-agent starters.
"I think there is a chance they could outbid the competition for a top free-agent starter. I also think they have enough depth on their roster and in their farm system to trade for a strong starter," writes Bowden. "The Cardinals have signed Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson but now need to address the top of their rotation. They’ll be an intriguing team to watch during the Winter Meetings in Nashville."
As of this writing, one of the top aces left the open market is Aaron Nola, as he re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a seven-year, $172 million contract. The Cardinals were reportedly interested in Nola in free agency.
The Cardinals have also been linked quite frequently to Sonny Gray of the Minnesota Twins. Gray had been consistent during his two years with the team, recording a 2.90 ERA, a 1.139 WHIP, 300 strikeouts, and 91 walks in 303.2 innings pitched (56 starts).
While the team has Lynn and Gibson on the roster, they are still expected to make a run at some of the top arms available.