St. Louis Cardinals: Free Agent Pitchers Who Make Sense

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Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Yovani Gallardo

In his nine-year career, Yovani Gallardo has compiled 1-11 record and 6.45 ERA against the St. Louis Cardinals as opposed to 101-64 and 3.45 ERA against everyone else. While this history is not the most accurate indicator of what he can accomplished, Gallardo makes sense if St. Louis is looking for a right-handed pitcher to eat up innings and connect the bridge between veterans and youngsters.

Gallardo has transitioned from a strikeout-reliant hurler to more of a ground ball inducer throughout his career, with much of his success primarily coming from his slider and four-seam fastball. His 49 quality starts over the last three years trail only Adam Wainwright in the Cardinals’ projected rotation, meaning Gallardo could provide durability at a bargain cost if St. Louis addresses his control inconsistencies.

Reasonable contract: 3 years, $40 million

Next: Mark Buehrle