St. Louis Cardinals: Three Free Agent Targets this offseason

Willson Contreras (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Willson Contreras (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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May 15, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (16) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (16) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Rodón

The Cardinals pitching staff is in a state of flux entering into 2023. Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz had their seasons nearly decimated due to injury. Dakota Hudson was inconsistent all through 2022, and we don’t know if the Cardinals will expand Andre Pallante’s role.

And, of course, we cannot forget about the mercurial Alex Reyes.

If the Cardinals choose not to bring back 2nd-half star Jose Quintana, then they should re-inquire about Carlos Rodón. Rodón reached his second consecutive All-Star Game in his first season with the San Francisco Giants. Not only did Rodon accumulate 5.4 WAR and a 2.88, but his FIP of 2.25 led all National League pitchers. 2022 was also Rodón’s first career season with 200+ strikeouts.

Carlos Rodón has expressed interest in staying with the Giants, even though it appears he will opt out of his 2-year, $44 million deal. But the possibility of adding a star pitcher like Rodón strengthens the Cardinals rotation, and even at a cheaper price than compared to one Jacob deGrom.