St. Louis could buy low on an impactful player

Before deciding on their Opening Day roster, the St. Louis Cardinals are not anticipated to make any major trades, but they may make a few surprise acquisitions in the upcoming days.
Whether it is a smart move or not, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak seems comfortable with a starting rotation that includes Sonny Grey, Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn.

Having said that, there are a few interesting arms available that might significantly improve the pitching staff without going over budget. Right now, one of those throwers is looking for a new contract.

“Free agent right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi, an All-Star starter in 2019, is throwing without restrictions and looking to sign a major league deal in the coming weeks,” MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Monday. “Odorizzi, 33, has pitched off the mound this offseason in front of evaluators from 10 to 12 teams.”

Odorizzi pitched 106 1/3 innings in 2022 for the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves, recording a 4.40 ERA, 86-to-35 strikeout-to-walk ratio,.258 batting average against, and 1.33 WHIP.
The veteran missed the whole 2023 season due to throwing shoulder surgery, but if he could match his career results of 74-69 with a 3.99 ERA (103 ERA+) over 11 seasons, he may be a valuable acquisition.
It would be prudent for the Cardinals to take a chance on Odorizzi on a team-friendly contract to add to their present depth with a man who has a good chance of being a rotation fixture this year.