MLB Network: Cardinals Target Key Addition to Strengthen Setup Relief Role
The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to add a setup reliever in the free agent market. This is in line with a report by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. This offseason, the Cardinals have not yet signed a free agent of MLB caliber. If they do, it probably won’t be for one of the best names out there.
Cardinals Eyeing New Addition for Setup Relief Role
Replacing Elite Setup Man
Andrew Kittredge, the Cardinals’ main setup man in 2024, is now a free agent after an impressive season. Kittredge led the National League with 37 holds, narrowly trailing MLB leader Bryan Abreu. His consistent presence in the eighth inning helped Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley secure the MLB saves title.
Kittredge had a career-high 74 appearances in 2024, finishing with a 2.80 ERA, which was better than his career average of 3.44. He pitched 70.2 innings, striking out 67 batters and allowing just 60 hits, demonstrating excellent control and dominance.
This marks Kittredge’s first time hitting free agency, and he’s expected to command a larger salary than the Cardinals may be willing to offer. However, if the market doesn’t pick up quickly, the Cardinals haven’t ruled out the possibility of bringing him back.
Looking For Low-Cost Help
According to Goold, the Cardinals are “in the market for a setup reliever,” but their shopping efforts have been slow, if they’ve been active at all. The team has made just three minor league signings this offseason while letting several key players, including Paul Goldschmidt, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, Keynan Middleton, Matt Carpenter, and Andrew Kittredge, enter free agency.
In addition to their free agent losses, the Cardinals are actively shopping high-cost players like Nolan Arenado and Steven Matz. The team seems to be holding off on making any significant signings until they have more clarity on potential trades and how low they can reduce their payroll. While the Cardinals shy away from being labeled as “rebuilding,” their primary focus appears to be cutting costs and developing young talent.
The team is expected to be more active once the free agent market settles, likely targeting players overlooked by the more aggressive teams this offseason.
Hoping to Maintain Bullpen Success
The Cardinals’ 2024 bullpen was anchored by the best closer in baseball, Ryan Helsley. Helsley, entering his final year of club control, has been mentioned in trade rumors, though his preference remains to stay with the team. The bullpen also featured two closers, Andrew Kittredge and JoJo Romero, each with 30 or more holds.
With a bullpen ERA of 3.64, the Cardinals ranked seventh in the League, thanks in large part to the success of their starting rotation. The bullpen logged the eighth fewest innings in the League, allowing their key relievers to avoid overuse and minimizing the need for unproven arms in high-leverage situations.
In addition to Helsley and Romero, the Cardinals are bringing back five other relievers who threw at least 30 innings in 2024. With a solid bullpen in place, the team can continue its success with a potential free-agent addition or two. If not, they’ll rely on their up-and-coming talent from the minors to make an impact in 2025.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images