Cardinals' Axford open to returning in 2014
Cardinals right-hander John Axford, acquired from Milwaukee on Aug. 30, said he's open to returning to St. Louis next season, but admitted his focus is on the postseason at the moment, reports Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen," said Axford. "I don’t want to think too far ahead in that sense, in all honesty. I’m enjoying this team, enjoying this run.”
The 30-year-old will be eligible for salary arbitration for the second time this offseason, meaning he'll earn upwards of the $5 million he's making this year in 2014. However, MLBTR's Mark Polishuk notes that his healthy price tag could make him a non-tender candidate this offseason.
The Simcoe, Ont. native has regressed over the last couple seasons, posting a 4.39 ERA with a 1.49 WHIP since 2012. Formerly among the game's most dominant relief pitchers, Axford fashioned a 2.26 ERA from 2009-2011, picking up 171 strikeouts in 139.1 innings.
Axford has allowed just two earned runs while striking out 10 in 9.1 innings since joining the Cardinals, good for a 1.93 ERA.