Cardinals Free Agent Signs Lucrative Deal With NL Foe, Ending Reunion Hopes

The St. Louis Cardinals have been active in the high-leverage reliever market as they aim to bolster the bullpen.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak reportedly aimed to add two impact relievers entering the winter -- after trading for Andrew Kittredge, one more target remains. 

One of the targets St. Louis faithful would have loved to retain is a homegrown flamethrower who was traded months ago. 

Instead, the hurler will be taking his talents to the West Coast and undergoing somewhat of a career change.

"Right-hander Jordan Hicks and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract," ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Friday. "Hicks, 27, is expected to work as a starter after spending the majority of his career in the bullpen."

Hicks posted a 3.29 ERA with an 81-to-32 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .231 batting average against and 1.36 WHIP in 65 2/3 innings last season between the Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays.

The Cardinals had interest in bringing the right-hander back but not as a starter and certainly not at his price point. Instead, St. Louis reportedly will be looking for a short-term contract in the $5 million range.