As the MLB offseason heats up, the St. Louis Cardinals are making moves to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. With star third baseman Nolan Arenado already a key player, the Cardinals are looking to add another big name to the team.
In an effort to bolster their squad, the Cardinals have prepared an offer to sign a foreign player who could become Arenado’s new teammate. While the team’s offseason plans are still in motion, one thing is clear: the arrival of a new star would hinge on Arenado staying with the team and not being traded during this period.
Could Arenado Be on the Move?
There’s speculation about Arenado’s future with the team, as the Cardinals have reportedly given him the green light to explore trade opportunities. However, for now, the 33-year-old veteran is still with St. Louis, which leaves the door open for the team to make significant moves during the offseason.
Japanese Pitcher Roki Sasaki on the Cardinals’ Radar
One potential addition to the Cardinals’ roster is Roki Sasaki, a Japanese pitching sensation who could be joining Arenado in St. Louis. According to Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, the team is actively preparing a proposal for the 23-year-old star. Sasaki was recently posted for MLB free agency by the Chiba Lotte Marines, opening up a 45-day window for teams to negotiate with the Japanese pitcher.
“We’re going to make a proposal,” Mozeliak said in a recent statement, confirming the team's interest in the young star. The news was shared by baseball expert Derrick Goold on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
A Rising Star in the Japanese League
Sasaki is considered one of the top international prospects, and his contract is expected to be well within reach for teams like the Cardinals. With a price tag of around $7 million, Sasaki is seen as an attainable target for several teams looking to add talent to their pitching staff.
Sasaki has built a strong reputation in Japan’s elite Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, where he has spent four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines. During the 2024 season, Sasaki posted an impressive 10-5 record with a 2.35 ERA. His performance has placed him among the top pitchers in the NPB, and his name is now gaining traction as a future star in MLB.
When Will Sasaki Make His Decision?
Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe, are scheduled to begin formal meetings with MLB teams toward the end of December. The final decision on which team Sasaki will sign with is expected to be made during the “dark” signing period between January 15 and January 23.
While the Cardinals are hopeful to land the Japanese pitcher, the team’s efforts to secure Sasaki’s services could depend on whether Arenado stays with the team or moves elsewhere. Regardless, the Cardinals are making a strong push to sign the young star and potentially build a championship-caliber team for 2024.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Offseason
The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for a busy winter, and securing a player like Roki Sasaki could be a major step toward reinforcing their lineup and pitching staff. With Arenado’s future still uncertain, the team’s pursuit of international talent shows they’re determined to improve their roster no matter what direction the offseason takes.
As the market continues to evolve, MLB fans will be watching closely to see if the Cardinals can land Sasaki and potentially make other moves to build a team capable of competing at the highest level in 2024. Only time will tell how the offseason will unfold, but one thing is certain: St. Louis is in full pursuit of success.
