Free agent relief pitcher Andrew Chafin Brian Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals have bullpen needs, but fans hear crickets

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 1/12/23

In early December, the St. Louis Cardinals made their biggest offseason splash by signing former Cubs catcher Willson Contreras to a five-year, $87.5 million contract. Since then, Cardinals fans have heard crickets, which isn't good news for a team that needs aid in the bullpen.

Free-agent reliever Andrew Chafin, a left-hander, seems to be the perfect candidate to join the Cardinals. In 2022 for Detroit, he appeared in 64 games, posting a 2.83 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He has an excellent slider and hard sinker, which have led to high chase rates and weak contact.

In 2022, the Cardinals' bullpen ranked second to last in the majors with 7.99 strikeouts per nine innings. Chafin had 10.52 strikeouts per nine innings last season and has a career mark of 9.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

The nine-year veteran could help take the younger pitchers under his wing and keep the clubhouse loose with his funny personality.

Andrew Chafin doesn’t know why he was mic’d up for photo day.

We have 1 minute and 27 seconds that explains why. pic.twitter.com/pnWJ0xW9m1
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 28, 2022

Another intriguing option is lefthander Matt Moore. The 2013 All-Star has had an injury-plagued career, which includes a season in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan.

In 2022, he had a stellar season for the Texas Rangers, appearing in 63 games and posting a 1.95 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Thanks to an uptick in fastball velocity he posted 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

Matt Moore is a player who @RealEly mentioned on @fishstripes offseason shopping list earlier in the offseason. 1.95 ERA, 2.98 FIP in 74.0 IP is as good as it gets. A much needed lefty in the bullpen is needed. Could be a great option for the #Marlins. pic.twitter.com/oYFGLcJzdj
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) January 8, 2023

Both could pitch well for St. Louis, which carries only four lefthanded relievers on the current 40-man roster.

Pair one of them with Genesis Cabrera, and you have a solid one-two punch from the left side to go with righties Ryan Helsley, Jordan Hicks, Giovanny Gallegos and Andre Pallante.

With one of the NL's best defenses and added firepower in Contreras, the Cardinals should make a big push for a World Series trophy.

Adding more help in the bullpen would be a good start.

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