3 relief pitching targets for St. Louis Cardinals post lockout

Ryan Tepera #51 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 03, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Royals 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Ryan Tepera #51 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 03, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Royals 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 02: Andrew Chafin #39 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Detroit Tigers during a MLB game at Comerica Park on September 2, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Oakland defeated Detroit 8-6. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 02: Andrew Chafin #39 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Detroit Tigers during a MLB game at Comerica Park on September 2, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Oakland defeated Detroit 8-6. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

Andrew Chafin

Andrew Chafin, 31, started the season with the Chicago Cubs before being traded off to the Oakland A’s. Now a free agent, the lefty could be a fun addition to the Cardinals bullpen.

Chafin was 2-4 with five saves in 71 games and 68.2 innings pitched. He threw 64 strikeouts with a called-strike-out rate of 28.1%.

Chafin primarily relies on a sinker that averages 92.1 mph with a 19.1-inch vertical drop and an active spin of 94%. Chafin’s four-seam fastball averages 91.8 mph with a 16.4-inch vertical drop and an active spin of 96%. Chafin’s slider averages 82.5 mph with a 42.1-inch vertical drop and an active spin of 27%.

Chafin, who seems quite the character, could be a good option in certain situations later in the game for the Cardinals. Chafin does possess some good off-speed stuff the Cardinals are attracted to in pitchers.