The free-agent market is starting to take shape after both Zack Wheeler and Cole Hamels inked deals on Wednesday, and left-hander Madison Bumgarner could be next in line with the St. Louis Cardinals reportedly joining the mix to acquire his services.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that Bumgarner might sign before the start of Winter Meetings on Sunday in San Diego, and also noted that the St. Louis Cardinals could be joining a number of other clubs said to be interested in the longtime San Francisco Giants ace:
And while several clubs have been linked to Bumgarner, including the Twins, Reds, White Sox and Braves, a source told MLB.com that a new potential bidder could be entering the fray: the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cardinals have already brought back Adam Wainwright this winter, signing the veteran to a $5 million deal with another $5 million in incentives included in the contract. With Jack Flaherty, Miles Mikolas and Dakota Hudson locked into the rotation, St. Louis’ rotation appears to be in good shape, though adding an arm of Bumgarner’s caliber would certainly make them better.
Feinsand iterated that Bumgarner is widely expected to get at least $100 million in any given deal, especially in light of Wheeler signing for $118 million.
The Cardinals are currently projected to have a $157.5 million payroll, according to Baseball Reference, so they certainly have some flexibility to chase a starter of Bumgarner's caliber.
St. Lois ranked in the middle of the league in baseball in starters' fWAR in 2019, but Bumgarner would almost immediately be the bona fide No. 2 behind ace Jack Flaherty.
Bumgarner posted a 3.90 ERA while making 34 starts this past season.
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