3 relievers the Cardinals can target after Sonny Gray signing

At long last, the Cardinals have added their ace, signing right-hander Sonny Gray to a three-year, $75 million contract. More than likely, the starting rotation is set for now.

But that doesn't mean the Cardinals are done. In fact, there are other holes that need to be addressed, particularly in the bullpen. That was another area where the Cardinals really struggled in 2023.

Injuries to pitchers like Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos certainly didn't help matters, but a few solid bullpen arms could offset some fans' disappointment over the fact that the Cardinals are likely done addressing the starting rotation.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported in his weekly chat that the Cardinals are likely out on the remaining big-name free-agent starting pitchers such as Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He also noted that the bullpen is the area the Cardinals are going to focus on next.

With that said, here are three relievers the Cardinals could target to beef up their bullpen.

1. Phil Maton

Maton was one pitcher that was mentioned by Goold in his weekly chat. The veteran right-hander would certainly be a huge addition for the Cardinals. He's a high-leverage arm with postseason experience and he even has a World Series ring under his belt.

This year, he went 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances. Maton could be used as a back-end reliever along with Helsley, Gallegos, and JoJo Romero. Goold says that fans should expect the Cardinals to at least have a conversation with him.

2. Jordan Hicks

Another name that could be of interest to the Cardinals is Jordan Hicks. He had taken over as the team's closer when Helsley went down in June.

The 27-year-old flamethrower was traded to the Blue Jays on July 30 with the Cardinals already out of contention. In Toronto, he posted a 2.63 ERA over 25 appearances and notched four saves.

Now a free agent, Hicks can't be ruled out as the Cardinals seek upgrades in their bullpen, which was yet another weak point in 2023.

Cardinals fans know what Hicks brings to the table. When he's healthy, he possesses an electric fastball and can blow hitters away by reaching triple digits with that fastball.

If signed, Hicks could once again assume the closer's role for St. Louis. It'll likely take a multi-year deal, but the Cardinals have the financial flexibility to do that after getting Gray at a reasonable price.

One concern the Cardinals may have with Hicks is his health. Prior to this year, he had spent considerable time on the injured list dating back to 2019. However, he proved this year that if healthy, he can be a viable weapon out of the bullpen, especially at the back end.

Hicks is somebody that the Cardinals are obviously familiar with and know what they can get out of him if he does indeed rejoin the team in free agency this offseason.

Time will tell if the Cardinals show interest.