The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for an active offseason, with a focus not only on improving their starting rotation but also strengthening the back end of their bullpen. The team’s starting pitching struggles were a significant storyline throughout the 2023 season, leaving them with a lot to address.
According to reports, the Cardinals have expressed interest in acquiring Yuki Matsui, the star closer from the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has confirmed the team’s interest, indicating that the Cardinals have been scouting Matsui for several seasons. While the exact extent of their interest hasn’t been disclosed, it’s clear that they see Matsui as a potential solution to bolster their bullpen.
Yuki Matsui is an exciting prospect for the Cardinals. At just 28 years old, he brings a wealth of experience with ten seasons of professional baseball under his belt. His career ERA stands at an impressive 2.43, showcasing his consistency and ability to dominate on the mound. Matsui’s recent performances for the Golden Eagles have been nothing short of outstanding, with his ERA staying well below 2.00 for the past three seasons. In 2021, he posted a remarkable 0.63 ERA, followed by a 1.92 ERA in 2022 and a 1.57 ERA in 2023.
The Cardinals experienced bullpen woes in 2023, finishing the season with the 23rd-worst bullpen ERA at 4.47. Bringing in a talented closer like Matsui would undoubtedly address a critical area of concern. While the market for Matsui is likely to be competitive, the Cardinals are in a strong position financially and could make a competitive offer to secure his services. As the offseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this pursuit develops.