The St. Louis Cardinals spent the first half of the offseason targeting starting pitching help -- which was their obvious top need.
Now it appears that Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak is in the process of prioritizing bullpen help -- while hopefully still being open to the idea of adding another impact starter but that debate is for another story.
One of the most intriguing low-risk, high-reward candidates this winter happens to be a former homegrown Cardinals closer who has interest in a reunion.
Trevor Rosenthal is not only rooting for a return to Busch Stadium but is actively trying to make it happen. The 33-year-old was asked if he would like to come back and gave an encouraging answer.
"That would be great, I did see (Lance Lynn and Daniel Descalso return to the organization)," Rosenthal said on the Noot News Podcast. "I'm excited to see how this all plays out. When I saw that news -- I'm good friends with Oliver Marmol -- (I) just sent him a message. I said, 'Hey, let's get the gang back together, let's do this,' so you never know.
"I still have a lot of time left in my rehab schedule but pitching is always in need and if I'm ready to go, I'd be more than happy to come spend some time in St. Louis."
Rosenthal posted a 1.90 ERA with a 38-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .148 batting average against and 0.85 WHIP in 23 2/3 innings between the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres during the shortened 2020 season -- which was the last time he pitched.
The right-hander's post-Cardinals career has been decimated by injuries. Rosenthal currently is recovering from elbow surgery and has pitched just 39 innings since throwing his last pitch for St. Louis in 2018.
Rosenthal has always been dominant when healthy, however, with a 3.36 career ERA in 373 appearances across eight seasons.
The Cardinals would be wise to offer Rosenthal a non-roster invite to spring training to see if he can provide meaningful innings for St. Louis. If he's not healthy in time, a minor-league deal down the road could be in play.
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