ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly added another bullpen option just ahead of spring training.
According to multiple reports, the Cardinals have agreed to a one-year deal with Keynan Middleton, a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher who pitched for the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees in 2023. The deal was first reported by Robert Murray of Fansided.
Middleton posted a 3.38 ERA in 50.2 innings between the White Sox and Yankees in 2023, with 64 strikeouts and two saves. He started his career with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017 and also had one-year stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound right-hander has a three-pitch mix that includes a mid-90s fastball, a slider and a changeup.
It is the second significant addition to the bullpen this offseason. In January, they traded outfielder Richie Palacios to the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Andrew Kittredge.
They also added righties Nick Robertson and Victor Santos in a trade that sent Tyler O'Neill to the Boston Red Sox. Robertson, 25, made his big-league debut in 2023 and pitched in 18 games. Santos, 23, reached the triple-A level in 2022 and has experience as both a starter and a reliever.
Pitchers and catchers report for spring training on Feb. 14. Position players will have their first practice on Feb. 19.
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