6 more reunions the St. Louis Cardinals could pursue in 2024

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The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to recapture their Postseason success in the early 2010s by bringing back some key components of championship-winning teams. They've reunited with Lance Lynn, Daniel Descalso, Yadier Molina, and now Matt Carpenter. However, there are a few more former Cardinals players who could be good additions this offseason. Here are six more reunions the Cardinals could pursue this offseason.

Trevor Rosenthal

After a series of brutal injuries, Trevor Rosenthal is once again looking to make a comeback to Major League Baseball. Once the 2015 Cardinals All-Star closer, Rosenthal was released by St. Louis after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He missed all of 2018 and was dreadful in his stint with the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers in 2019. He rebounded in his 2020 season with the Royals, earning himself a trade to the Padres for a playoff run.

However, due to various injuries including a second UCL tear and Tommy John surgery, he hasn't pitched in MLB since 2020. I interviewed Rosenthal alongside site expert Josh Jacobs and contributor Sandy McMillan for the Noot News Podcast, and Rosenthal expressed interest in making a return to the Majors with the Cardinals.

Rosenthal still boasts elite velocity numbers and could be a candidate for high-leverage innings when right. Of course, he'll need to prove his health and effectiveness, but since he'd only be signed to a Minor League contract, he'd be a no-risk high-reward bullpen option for 2024. The Cardinals have filled veteran presences in the rotation and now the lineup and Rosenthal would be the perfect option as a veteran voice in the bullpen.

Jordan Montgomery

Montgomery would be by far the most impactful addition on this list, but also the most unlikely. Adding him would likely propel the Cardinals' rotation to one of the strongest in the National League. However, Montgomery's contract demands exceeding the 6-year, $162 million deal that Carlos Rodon received last offseason will be almost impossible for St. Louis to meet.

First, this is probably more money than Montgomery is worth. Due to his breakout Postseason and the overall lack of pitching on the market, other teams that are more pitching-starved may be willing to overpay for Montgomery. Moreover, the Cardinals have probably reached their spending limit with regard to big acquisitions this offseason. Unless ownership decides to exceed that budget by a significant amount, it's unlikely such a deal is possible.

But, if Mozeliak and the DeWitts decide to expand the budget this offseason, adding Montgomery to the staff would allow for another top-tier arm of the same caliber as Sonny Gray and also allow the injury-prone Steven Matz to the bullpen during the regular season. Such a move would set the Cardinals in a much better position for both the regular season and the playoffs.

Kolten Wong

With the addition of Matt Carpenter, adding Kolten Wong seems a bit unnecessary right now. And, the Cardinals definitely shouldn't bring back Wong with the roster as currently constructed. However, if injuries pile up and the Cardinals find themselves lacking infield depth as they did at times last season, bringing back another fan favorite in Kolten Wong to fill late innings as a defensive replacement at second base and pinch hit against right-handed pitchers would be a welcome move.

Wong's two seasons with the Brewers were quite good offensively, recording a combined 113 OPS+ between the two seasons. Unfortunately, after being dealt to the Mariners prior to the 2023 season, his offensive output completely vanished. In 216 plate appearances, he recorded a slash line of .165/.241/.227/.468 for a 34 OPS+. He found some success after joining the Dodgers in a bench role, but it seems Wong's best days are ahead of him.

Still, if the Cardinals are ever in need of a depth infielder midseason, Wong could slot in perfectly if he doesn't sign with another club. He's only 33, so he could still bounce back after a rough 2023 season, and at the very least provide a jolt off the bench or as a plus-defender in late innings. With the Cardinals' defense struggling so much in 2023, Wong could be a fitting reunion should they need it.

Matt Holliday

Here's one that almost came to fruition last season. Matt Holliday was initially hired as the Cardinals bench coach, but he backed out after realizing he wasn't ready to take on a coaching role, prioritizing family instead. If Holliday is ready for a role with the Cardinals organization now, he'd surely be welcome back with open arms.

With the Cardinals clearly searching for leadership in the clubhouse, adding Holliday to the coaching staff would be another great step. Daniel Descalso has filled the bench coach role that Holliday was slated to take last offseason, but the front office could find other roles for him to fill, perhaps those that don't require full commitment during the season.

Adam Ottavino

Here's a deep cut. Back in 2010, 24-year-old Adam Ottavino actually debuted with the Cardinals before landing with the Rockies for the majority of his quite prolific Major League career. Now at age 38, there may be concerns that he can keep up his performance, but he's been at least a serviceable reliever in recent seasons with the Red Sox and Mets.

It's unlikely Adam Ottavino will pitch many high-leverage innings for the Cardinals if they signed him, but they need an innings-eater reliever to replace Drew VerHagen and Chris Stratton. Ottavino has thrown at least 53 relief innings every season since 2017 with the exception of the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, so he fits the bill perfectly.

With an ERA of 3.21, Ottavino greatly over-performed his expected FIP of 4.52 in 2023, but he still provided innings for the Mets in bulk. A short-term deal would be welcome as the final relief option for the Cardinals' pen in 2024.

Alex Reyes

Alex Reyes' tenure in St. Louis was as rocky as it was disappointing. As a former top pitching prospect, there were lofty expectations that Reyes would headline the rotation one day. However, due to injuries and a suspension, Reyes was never able to realize his potential. During the first half of the 2021 season, slivers of greatness shone through as Reyes became an All-Star closer.

Unfortunately, his second half was frustrating as he blew several saves, most notably one that eliminated the Cardinals in the Wild Card game against the Dodgers. He hasn't pitched in MLB since that game, as a shoulder injury in 2022 Spring Training would sideline him for the entire season. He would be non-tendered in the offseason and sign a contract with the Dodgers. However, after undergoing another shoulder operation, Reyes would miss all of 2023 as well.

Should the Cardinals take another chance on Reyes, it would probably just be a Minor League prove-it deal. If he were finally able to realize some of his immense potential, he could become a serviceable reliever for the Cardinals next year. He'd be another no-risk high-reward target. At worst, severing ties with Reyes would cost nothing, and at best the Cardinals bullpen could be further bolstered.

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