When it comes to free-agent hurler Gerrit Cole, the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees are generally considered the two most likely destinations, but it might not be so cut and dry.

Michael Shapiro of Sports Illustrated has written a piece detailing the potential landing spots for Cole this offseason, and among his dark horse suitors is the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals just won the National League Central and made it all the way to the NLCS before falling to the Washington Nationals this past season, so they are certainly a legitimate contender and are only a couple of pieces away.

While St. Louis definitely needs some offense, adding a frontline starter like Cole never hurts, as he would join an impressive young pitching staff that already includes Jack Flaherty and Dakota Hudson.

Article Continues Below
Related News
rangers, Adolis García
1 player Texas Rangers must trade before 2025 deadlineGarrett Kerman ·
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) falls in to the crowd after catching a foul ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium.
Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado reveals breathing problem after heroic play vs. DiamondbacksBrayden Haena ·
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) on the field to change pitchers against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Truist Park.
Oliver Marmol sends ‘patient’ message on young Cardinals star itching to break outBenjamin Adducchio ·
St. Louis Cardinals third base Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after a play during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado pulls rabbit out of hat to help preserve sweep of DiamondbacksJoey Mistretta ·
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante (53) talks with catcher Ivan Herrera (48) during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Busch Stadium.
3 players St. Louis Cardinals fans are already fed up with in 2025Zachary Howell ·
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) talks with manager Oliver Marmol (37) after suffering an injury while running the bases during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at Busch Stadium. Wilson was removed from the game before the fourth inning.
Why Willson Contreras was scratched from Cardinals lineupBenedetto Vitale ·

Of course, the Redbirds are listed as a “dark horse” for a reason, as there has not been any indication that Cole, who grew up in Southern California (hello, Angels) rooting for the Yankees (hello, New York), would be interested in taking his talents to St. Louis.

The 29-year-old is coming off of a spectacular 2019 campaign in which he went 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA, allowing just 142 hits while racking up 326 strikeouts over 212.1 innings of work with the Houston Astros.

Cole has spent the last two seasons with the Astros but began his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he resided for five years before being dealt to Houston ahead of the 2018 campaign.

Over the course of his seven-year big-league career, Cole has pitched to the tune of a 3.22 ERA and has averaged 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings.