3 free agents the St Louis Cardinals should avoid post-lockout

Brad Hand

Brad Hand, a 31-year-old lefty, had a difficult 2021 season having spent time with three clubs over the course of the season including the New York Mets.

In 68 games, he was 6-7 in 64.2 innings with 21 saves, three holds, and eight blown saves. He gave up 26 walks but struck out 61. He had a 27.7% called-strike rate.

Hand has a four-seam fastball, a sinker, and a slider. Hand’s slider averages 80.1 mph with a 45.6-inch vertical drop with an active spin of 63%. The fastball averages 92.9 mph with a 16.7-inch vertical drop with an active spin of 89%. Hand’s sinker averages 93 mph with a 22.9-inch vertical drop with an active spin of 91%.

It does seem like he has off-speed stuff but it’s ineffective. It would be interesting to see him get an opportunity to work on those off-speed pitches and develop trust in a good defense behind him. But, the Cardinals have had their share of frustrating relievers over the years. Hand would be that in St. Louis, without a doubt.