Cardinals Reliever Elects Free Agency After Strong Season In St. Louis' Bullpen

The St. Louis Cardinals' 2023 season will be remembered for the lackluster pitching performances, nearly across the board, which sunk a promising season.

However, there was at least one Cardinals hurler who posted a career year amid the team's struggles, doing what he could to keep the team afloat. That player could be departing this winter.

"Drew VerHagen, the lone impending Cardinals free agent, has elected free agency," The Athletic's Katie Woo reported Thursday. "Not a surprise."

The move does not mean that he would not return after testing the market but his chances of coming back decline every day that a new deal is not reached. Starting Tuesday, he can negotiate with all 30 teams.

VerHagen posted a 3.98 ERA with a 60-to-26 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .226 batting average against and 1.28 WHIP in a career-high 61 innings this season. 

Given that he entered the year with a career 5.26 ERA, it's quite far to say he exceeded expectations. 

While it's fair to deem VerHagen a loss should he move on, there is reason to believe that his 2023 campaign will not be repeated next season.

The most telling stat was his 4.93 FIP, which implies that his production was tied to a fair amount of luck. That combined with a career .267 batting average against and 1.43 WHIP spells trouble. 

The 33-year-old would be a fine depth option, maybe a middle innings reliever but should not be re-signed for a meaningful role. That would set up the organization for disappointment.