Two-time All-Star looking for new opportunity; should Cardinals consider him?

The St. Louis Cardinals’ biggest need right now is a starter to bolster the back end of the rotation.

St. Louis has shown this season that it can contend for a playoff spot, but adding another depth pitcher would make things a lot easier. The Cardinals are currently without Steven Matz, so adding someone in his place as soon as possible would make sense.

Two-time All-Star Johnny Cueto is one player looking for a short-term opportunity. The 38-year-old spent time in the Texas Rangers’ minor league system this season but decided to opt out of his contract and is now looking to join a major league club and is drawing interest, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.

“Free-agent pitcher Johnny Cueto, who recently opted out of his contract with the Texas Rangers, is attracting interest, a source said,” Murray said. “He’s looking for a team that needs more starters or long-term backups, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.”

Cueto made nine minor league starts and posted a 5.71 ERA in 41 innings pitched. Those numbers aren’t great, but he allowed three or fewer earned runs in six of his nine appearances.

He may not be what he once was, but he’s a 16-year veteran who could fill the Cardinals’ fifth spot in the rotation in the short term for a low price. The Cardinals could always add someone else at the trade deadline, but Cueto could help now until then.

More MLB: Former top prospect is a ‘prime trade target’ for Cardinals this summer