Cardinals Reportedly Still Linked To Star Pitcher In Free Agency Despite Massive Price

The St. Louis Cardinals entered the offseason hoping to land at least three starters; the rotation was a major reason for the team’s poor performance last year. The Cardinals have already added Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson this offseason, but it sounds like they may be in the mix to add another. As reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cardinals are still linked to Orix Buffaloes phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

“Japanese starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto may be the most popular free agent ever — at least among big-market clubs — and that’s why execs are predicting he may cost the signing team as much as $300 million, including the posting fee,” said Heyman. Yamamoto, who is only 25 years old, was initially valued at $200 million.

“But in addition to the (New York Mets) and (New York Yankees), who both seem hopeful, the (Los Angeles Dodgers), (San Francisco Giants), (Chicago Cubs), Cardinals, (Boston Red Sox), (Philadelphia Phillies), (Arizona Diamondbacks), and (Detroit Tigers) all are linked to Yamamoto.”

Aside from two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto is the most sought-after free agent this offseason, and the Cardinals have been mentioned as a potential fit multiple times.

It’s intriguing that the Cardinals are still being mentioned alongside him, even though it’s unclear if they would be willing to pay his asking price. After landing three starers already, a move is conceivable but definitely unlikely.

St. Louis is in an interesting position and would be the National League Central favorites if it could somehow sign Yamamoto right away.