The Cardinals would make a huge mistake signing these starting pitchers

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 4: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at Fenway Park on October 4, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 4: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at Fenway Park on October 4, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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New York Mets Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt #40 of the New York Mets pitches during the game against the Oakland Athletics. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

Chris Bassitt

After being linked to the Cardinals on the trade market last offseason, the New York Mets pulled off a trade for Oakland’s All-Star starter Chris Bassitt, who in turn was a great addition to their rotation in 2022. Although he is a high-quality starter, the Cardinals would be adding a very similar starter to what they already have at a big price tag.

Bowden is currently projecting the 33-year old to command a 4-year, $74 million deal in free agency, putting him at an AAV of $18.5 through his age-37 season. If the Cardinals needed a number two starter or great number three, this would be an awesome signing. Bassitt went 15-9 with a 3.42 ERA in 30 starts this past season, and has been a durable and consistent pitcher for most of his career.

Bassitt lacks the top end talent that the Cardinals need as their number one starter. It’s not that Bassitt would be a bad addition to their rotation, but does he really match up with guys like Jacob deGrom, Spencer Strider, Zach Wheeler, Joe Musgrove, or any of the other top end starters in the National League?

If the Cardinals end up dealing any starters away, he may be an interesting fit. But right now, they need to go after top-end starters, and Bassitt is just on the outside of that.