Cardinals Sign Ex-Astros Fireballer To Bolster Organizational Depth

The St. Louis Cardinals continue to add depth to the organization.

The 2023 season certainly was a disaster for the Cardinals and the club has responded by adding some frontline talent, but also bolstering organizational depth with big-league experience.

St. Louis' starting rotation was the club's biggest issue last year, but the bullpen didn't do the club any favors either.

The Cardinals have made some intriguing additions already and made another Friday. St. Louis officially signed former Houston Astros hurler Josh James to a minor league deal, according to the club. 

"We have signed (right-handed pitcher) Josh James to a minor league contract for the 2024 season," the club said. "James, 30, appeared in 87 games with Houston (including 14 postseason games) from 2018-21 and has struck out 13.3 batters per 9 IP over his (Major League Baseball) career."

James has a career 4.64 ERA in 73 total appearances at the big league level but boasts a fastball that can eclipse 100 miles per hour. He only appeared in five games at the big league level with Houston last season and spent most of his time in the minors. 

He has spent parts of four different seasons in Majors and may not play a massive role with the Cardinals, but does provide more depth. If he can impress in Spring Training or the minor leagues, maybe a call-up could be a possibility at some point. If not, he doesn't hurt the Cardinals in any way.

Landing James may not be a flashy move, but he does provide much-needed depth with big-league upside to the minor leagues.