Report: Cardinals showing interest in Ryu
The St. Louis Cardinals could be gearing up to make some noise this offseason.
St. Louis is showing interest in free-agent left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, reports MLB Network's Jon Morosi. The Cardinals met with the Korean pitcher's representatives this week, Morosi adds.
With Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg off the market, Ryu is one of the top starting pitchers available in free agency.
However, the Cardinals likely face stiff competition from other possible suitors, including the Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, and Toronto Blue Jays. All three teams have reportedly been linked to the southpaw.
Ryu had the best season of his big-league career in 2019, finishing second in National League Cy Young voting after posting the lowest ERA (2.32) by any qualified starter in the majors.
The 32-year-old comes with some concerns, though. Since 2013, he's cleared the 180-inning plateau just twice due to frequent injury issues, including a labrum tear in his throwing shoulder and an elbow operation.
When healthy, the left-hander has been effective, posting a 54-33 record with a 2.98 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 740 1/3 innings, all with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cardinals' projected starting rotation for 2019 includes Jack Flaherty, Miles Mikolas, Dakota Hudson, Adam Wainwright, and possibly Carlos Martinez, though the latter spent last season pitching in relief.