Three free agents who fit the Cardinals’ roster rebuild plans
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The previous St. Louis Cardinals administration was so predictable that browsing the list of available free agents offered a glimpse into their preferences in player acquisition.
Two of the three players I identified as ideal fits—right-handed pitcher Phil Maton and infielder Garrett Hampson—were on the team by the end of the season. Maton, in particular, parlayed his one-year deal into a deadline trade and a multi-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.
Most of this winter’s roster overhaul will occur through the trade market, but the Cardinals are expected to make some marginal free-agent additions.
These signings may not prompt jersey and T-shirt sales on Opening Day, but they would provide solid contributors with skill sets that could benefit the Cardinals as they realistically assess their place in the standings.
Rob Refsnyder, of
Since arriving in Boston before the 2022 season, Refsnyder has reinvented himself from a fringe major leaguer to a strong platoon outfielder who can handle the short side of a playing time split as well as key pinch-hit duties. He has never played more than 93 games or tallied more than 272 at-bats in a single major league season, largely due to those platoon limitations. The right-handed hitter excels against left-handed pitchers with a career .826 OPS, but has a .633 OPS against right-handers.
For a team with an abundance of left-handed bats—even if some are traded this winter—Refsnyder offers a useful change of pace and consistent pop. He has combined for 20 home runs over the last two seasons. While that does not entirely solve St. Louis’ ongoing power issue, it does give opposing managers something to consider when making bullpen decisions.
Refsnyder turns 35 on Opening Day and might be in search of his best opportunity for a sizable free-agent contract, but his limitations could make a one-year deal with a defined role in St. Louis appealing. His experience could also provide needed leadership in a clubhouse that has benefited from veteran presence in the past. It is also worth noting, as with all players with this background, that Chaim Bloom brought Refsnyder to Boston and gave him the chance to carve out his current role. That suggests the Cardinals’ leadership recognizes and appreciates his skill set.
Kyle Finnegan, rhp
Andrew Kittredge took the mound with an impressively bushy beard, Maton was clean-shaven, and Finnegan’s scruff places him in between. While the Cardinals are open-minded about a reliever’s facial hair, they have long felt the bullpen would benefit from an experienced veteran who can provide stability.
A longtime closer for the Washington Nationals, Finnegan was traded to Detroit at last season’s deadline and delivered consistent performances out of the Tigers’ bullpen down the stretch and into the playoffs. Unlike Kittredge and Maton, Finnegan does not boast a high strikeout rate, and his workload—at least 65 appearances in each of the past four seasons—raises some concern regarding his durability. Nonetheless, his reliability is appealing for manager Oli Marmol as he manages innings over a long season.
The ninth inning is likely to be handled by some combination of Riley O’Brien and Matt Svanson, neither of whom has the track record teams typically seek in a closer. If either falters, Finnegan has the experience to step into the role—or to serve as an appealing trade piece at the deadline if the club chooses to go in that direction.
Aaron Civale, rhp
The best way to protect a bullpen is with dependable innings from the rotation. While the Cardinals may not add immediate front-line help, they desperately need reliable starters to stabilize the staff. A pitcher who can fill the Miles Mikolas role—without the salary or baggage—would be ideal, and Civale, with 135 big league starts, has the experience for the job.
He underperformed his expected numbers last season while pitching in front of a better—but still struggling—Chicago White Sox team, then was productive for the Cubs as a swingman after being dealt there. Next season will be his age-31 campaign, so he may seek a one-year deal to reestablish his value as a big-league starter before another swing at the market.
If there’s one thing the Cardinals can offer Civale, it is opportunity. He could be slotted into the fourth spot in the rotation and left there to absorb as many innings as possible, benefiting both himself and the team. Familiarity could also play a role: Civale came up through the Cleveland system at the same time assistant general manager Rob Cerfolio and farm director Larry Day held executive roles with the Guardians.
