St. Louis Cardinals: What the Big FA Signings Mean

Jordan Zimmermann to the Detroit Tigers

Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

In the deal that started it all, the Detroit Tigers finalized a 5-year, $110-million pact with Jordan Zimmermann on November 30. That contract seems cute now, doesn’t it?

This deal has next to no impact on the St. Louis Cardinals. The Tigers aren’t on the 2016 schedule, and any influence this deal had on the free agent pitcher market has been eclipsed by the previously listed deals. It may become a reference point should the St. Louis Cardinals try for Leake, Wei-Yin Chen or Yovani Gallardo. Which they probably are, we just don’t know it yet.

Perhaps this deal set the tone for the St. Louis Cardinals’ off-season strategy, prompting GM John Mozeliak to make one bit play for David Price and move to the trade market as a Plan B. Or, rely on arms on the farm as a Plan B.

Next: 5 Possible Trade Partners

Whatever the case may be, we’ll almost certainly know more in the coming days.