Ex-Cardinals Reliever Available After Strong Season; Reunion Would Make Sense

Could the St. Louis Cardinals turn to a former first-round pick who hasn't played for the organization since 2010 to shore up the bullpen for the 2024 season?

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak reportedly aimed to add two high-leverage options to the bullpen this winter. The acquisition of right-hander Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays fills one of the aforementioned voids, leaving one vacancy.

There are plenty of targets St. Louis should have interest in, including Matt Moore and Phil Maton -- both of whom have been rumored Cardinals targets. However, there is one homegrown hurler who fits the description of what they are seeking.

Right-hander Adam Ottavino reached free agency this winter after declining a one-year, $6.75 million player option from the New York Mets. 

The 38-year-old posted a 3.21 ERA with a 62-to-29 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .208 batting average against and a 1.22 WHIP in 61 2/3 innings last season. Ottavino also converted 12-of-15 save opportunities. That kind of experience comes in handy during a 162-game season despite not being deemed the team's closer on Opening Day.

Ottavino was the Cardinals' first-round pick in the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft (No. 30 overall) and made his big-league debut for St. Louis. Many likely forget his contributions, as he only appeared in five games for the Cardinals before first suffering an arm injury and then being placed on waivers.

The Colorado Rockies claimed the once-hyped prospect, converted him into a bullpen asset and helped launch what has become a 13-year career -- amassing a 3.42 ERA across 664 appearances. 

The Cardinals could use an impactful and affordable reliever such as Ottavino, who could look to end his career where it began.