Buy or Sell: St. Louis Cardinals’ 2022 Bullpen Projections

T.J. McFarland

McFarland 2022 Projection: W-L: 3-2, ERA: 3.96, SV: 1, IP: 50, SO/9: 7, BB/9: 3.1, WHIP: 1.32

Verdict: Buy

Acquired midseason during 2021 to help shore up the struggling Cardinal bullpen, McFarland came in and threw 38.2 innings while sporting an ERA of 2.56. McFarland was a godsend for the club but should not be expected to repeat that performance in 2022.

McFarland’s career ERA is 3.95, and has ranged year to year between 2.00 and 6.93. Returning to the median would be a successful season for McFarland and give them a reliable, second left handed option out of the pen.

Nick Wittgren

Wittgren 2022 Projectoin: W-L: 3-5, ERA: 4.29, IP: 63, SO/9: 9, BB/9: 2.9, WHIP: 1.24

Verdict: Sell

Entering his 7th big league season, Nick Wittgren comes over from Cleveland with a career ERA of 3.75, but has mostly been under 3.42 aside from two outlier seasons. Pitching in front of an elite defense and moving to a contending ballclub should provide Wittgren with the jolt needed to return to high level production.

Expect his ERA to be in the 3.15-3.30 range and for his WHIP to lower to about 1.05. Wittgren could be a candidate for save opportunities when Gallegos needs a day off, and should be relied upon in big spots.