The St. Louis Cardinals seem poised to bolster their bullpen before spring training begins, aiming to improve a unit that was among the worst in baseball last season. Despite enhancing their starting rotation earlier in the offseason, the focus now shifts to shoring up their bullpen.
With the Cardinals eyeing a major bullpen upgrade, the possibility of acquiring Josh Hader, a standout closer, emerges as a compelling option. Hader, a five-time All-Star and one of baseball’s top relievers, is currently a free agent and could potentially command a significant contract, possibly exceeding $100 million. Despite the hefty price tag, his track record and abilities make him an appealing choice for St. Louis.
While the Cardinals were linked to prominent starting pitchers in the offseason, they’ve opted not to pursue those high-value contracts. However, they still have financial flexibility, prompting the question: Why not invest in securing one of the premier closers in the game?
St. Louis struggled with blown saves in the previous season, ranking 10th with 28 instances. Hader’s impressive performance, evidenced by his 33 saves and a remarkable 1.28 ERA in 61 appearances last season, suggests he could swiftly address the Cardinals’ late-game challenges.
Though acquiring Hader might involve a substantial financial commitment, going all-in for him could signal the Cardinals’ serious intent to contend strongly in the upcoming 2024 season.
