4. Kyle Gibson was an odd addition in free agency
The addition of Kyle Gibson was certainly a head scratcher for the Cardinals.
Even more confusing was the fact that St. Louis gave him $12 million for just one season.
However, the signing does have its merits. Gibson is an innings eater and can be counted on to keep a team in a ballgame. He takes the ball every fifth day and can even be trusted to make at least 30 starts in a season.
In 2023, the 36-year-old right-hander started 33 games with the Baltimore Orioles. He also won 15 games and logged 192 total innings.
The major concern with Gibson is that he is not a strikeout pitcher, but rather more of a pitch-to-contact guy. He also posted a 4.73 ERA, which leaves a lot to be desired.
The Greenfield, Indiana native is a graduate of Missouri University, so he is familiar with being in Cardinals territory. A pitcher-friendly ballpark like Busch Stadium is also something that should help him as he tries to bounce back from a difficult 2023 season and potentially even recapture the magic of his 2021 campaign.
We'll see what he can provide for the Cardinals as they look to contend in 2024.