John Mozeliak is nearing the end of his tenure as President of Baseball Operations for the St. Louis Cardinals. While the team hasn’t enjoyed the same level of success as earlier in his tenure, the potential acquisition of Japanese standout Roki Sasaki could be a strategic move that positions the Cardinals for future success.
Sasaki, 22, has excelled in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league and expressed a desire to play in the major leagues. Recent reports indicate that the Cardinals are among eight teams scouting Sasaki, suggesting a serious interest. This pursuit could explain the team’s reluctance to pursue top pitchers via trades or free agency.
In recent years, Mozeliak has faced challenges, with former Cardinals finding success elsewhere and the team struggling in 2023. To address these issues, the Cardinals made early moves in free agency, signing pitchers Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn to bolster the rotation. While these signings provide short-term solutions, the team’s starting rotation is aging, leading some fans to have low expectations for 2024. However, a rotation led by Sasaki and supported by a young core of position players could change the team’s fortunes in 2025.
Signing Sasaki to a major league contract would not be overly costly. As he is under 25, Sasaki would be treated as an international free agent, subject to a maximum salary that has not yet been specified. The Cardinals should have the financial flexibility to sign Sasaki, as evidenced by the substantial salary allotment for international free agents in 2024.
Despite potential struggles in 2024, the Cardinals’ decision not to pursue young pitchers via trade could benefit them in the long run. Sasaki could be the cornerstone of a young, strikeout-focused rotation that complements the team’s strong offense.
While Mozeliak’s popularity among Cardinals fans may be waning, making a savvy move like signing Sasaki could restore faith in his leadership. Enduring a few tough years could lead to future National League dominance, making it a trade-off that fans should support. Viewing the big picture and making strategic moves could help Mozeliak leave a lasting legacy as his tenure comes to a close.
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