St. Louis Cardinals: An Innovative Approach to Fixing the Bullpen

Juan Nicasio succeeded in his short time with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Juan Nicasio has stated a desire to return to the St. Louis Cardinals.  The team should welcome that desire with a discounted contract offer.  After all, the team made the suspect move of acquiring Nicasio (now a free agent) for a middle infield prospect at a time when he would not be eligible for the postseason (a now moot point).  Re-signing Nicasio would feel like a better return on that trade.

Nicasio also performed brilliantly for the St. Louis Cardinals.  This converted starter reclaimed his career in Pittsburgh and he shined bright in St. Louis.  Nicasio struck out 11 in his 11 innings for St. Louis and he threw gas doing it.

All of the writers here at Redbird Rants believe that Nicasio will only net a 2-year deal even though he is only 31 years old and can start and relieve.

That number is probably correct given the vast number of non-closer options available in the relief market.  Thus, I predict that Nicasio will get a two-year deal with a team option for a third year.  That two-year deal will come in at around $18 million with the team option at $12 million for the third year.