ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals have been a bit quiet since the end of the Winter Meetings in early December 2023, with the only moves made from in the time stretch to the new year being trading Tyler O'Neill to the Boston Red Sox for two pitchers and few minor league signings.
However, the Cardinals did potentially add more help to the bullpen in 2024, trading outfielder Richie Palacios to the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Andrew Kittredge.
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak discussed acquiring Kittredge with KMOX Sports Director Tom Ackerman in his weekly interview on 'Sports on a Sunday Morning' and Mozeliak was impressed with how reliable a strike thrower Kittredge is.
"This is a deal that presented itself and we thought it made a lot of sense," said Mozeliak. "Adding someone like Kittredge who when you go back was one of the elite relievers in the game prior to his Tommy John (surgery). Getting him back on the upswing and hopefully he can eat some important innings for us in the bullpen."
Mozeliak after the Kittredge move he says he feels good about the situation of the bullpen, which the Cardinals have so far brought in four new faces to compete for spots next season. Including the likes of Zack Thompson, Matthew Liberatore, Tekiah R
While Cardinals Winter Warm Up is set to begin this weekend, it will still be a busy time for the front office as salary arbitration figures have to be exchanged by Friday. Six players - including Kittredge - are eligible for arbitration in the Cardinals organization. Tommy Edman projects to get the most among the players with MLB Trade Rumors projecting $6.5 million for the super utility player who is in line to be the starting center fielder on Opening Day.
"That will probably devour a lot of our time (this week)," said Mozeliak.
Mozeliak also discussed some of the prospects in the Cardinals system with Mozeliak expecting Tekiah Roby and Sem Robberse to potentially have debuts in 2024, but he also highlighted another prospect who was acquired in a trade who he has an eye the most on.
"Someone like (Thomas) Saggese is going to open up some eyes at Big League camp," said Mozeliak. "He can swing the bat but having an open roster spot for him right now is a bit difficult."