The St. Louis Cardinals want to get back to their winning ways in 2024 and they reportedly will be targeting a trio of starting pitchers this winter.
There have been a few pleasant surprises this MLB season as franchises like the Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds have risen back to prominence in 2023. However, there is a flip side to that and there are a quartet of major disappointments. Along with the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals have underperformed to a shocking level this season.
While the aforementioned teams are well under .500, the Cardinals are still the worst of the bunch with a 55-70 record heading into the week. It is a stark contrast from the team that won 93 games and the National League Central title last year. However, despite their poor play this season, the organization did not breakdown their team and begin a rebuild at the trade deadline.
St. Louis Cardinals expected to pursue Blake Snell and Julio Urias this winter
Instead, they traded pieces they felt they could part with and kept the core of a roster they believe can compete for a division title in 2024. But of course, that roster will need some additions to turn things around next season. On Sunday, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported on the organization’s focus this offseason and the likely top targets on the free agent market.
“The Cardinals will pursue at least three starting pitchers in trades and free agency, president John Mozeliak said, with Julio Urias of the Dodgers, Blake Snell of the Padres, and Aaron Nola of the Phillies sitting atop their wish list.”
– Bob Nightengale
All three pitchers are set to be free agents this winter. Despite a down season for San Diego, Snell has been one of the few bright spots as he has played like an ace pitcher in 2023.
After an All-Star level season the previous two years, Urias has had a down season for Los Angeles with his ERA and WHIP way up from last season. Nola has also had a stepback season compared to the pitcher that helped the Phillies reach the World Series last season.