Chaim Bloom and company are not expected to shop at the top of the free-agent market this offseason. But Bloom is bound to beckon a bargain-basement, battle-tested big-leaguer to bolster the beleaguered bullpen. So who’s the target? Here’s where I…
Viva El Birdos analyst John-Latham identifies four potential bargain free-agent relief pitchers who could bolster the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen. Expecting the front office, led by Chaim Bloom, to avoid top-market free agents, the author analyzes pitchers coming off down seasons in 2026 who previously demonstrated elite metrics. The four highlighted targets include Bryan Abreu, Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar, and Matt Strahm.
Latham argues that Abreu offers elite upside despite losing velocity in 2026, while Harvey and Strahm represent injury-plagued, low-cost bounce-back options with high-end underlying stuff. Thielbar is noted for maintaining an elite chase rate. The writer also expects St. Louis to consider bringing back Ryne Stanek on a restructured contract alongside a flyer on one of these bargain relievers.
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