Per multiple reports, the Cardinals are poised to add Keynan Middleton to their bullpen after what was a strong 2023 with the White Sox and Yankees. Here’s a look at what Middleton did and what the Cardinals bullpen could look like come Opening Day 2024.
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A Look at Middleton
New Cardinals reliever Keynan Middleton hadn’t found consistent footing at the MLB level up until 2023. But, last season could be considered a renaissance for the righty.
A former third-round pick by the Angels in 2013, Middleton rebounded from a rough 2022 with Arizona to post a 3.88 ERA/1.24 WHIP with 64 strikeouts over 50.2 IP. Opposing batters posted just a .667 OPS against the righty.
On paper, Middleton has a solid arsenal. The veteran righty has a mid-80s slider that goes along with his mid-90s fastball with fine carry (16.8” IVB in 2023) and above-average extension.
But what might have been the most eye-popping number from Middleton’s 2023 was how often he used the changeup. He’s always had a changeup but last season, Middleton used it a career-high 42.9% of the time last year and thrived. It’s a good enough pitch with run and drop and a pitch that pairs well with the heat.
Last season, Middleton ranked in the 96th percentile in Chase% and 92nd percentile in Hard Hit% per Statcast.
Analysis
With the addition of Middleton, here’s what the Cardinals bullpen could look like come Opening Day:
- RHP Ryan Helsley (Closer)
- RHP Giovanny Gallegos
- RHP Andrew Kittredge
- RHP Keynan Middleton
- RHP Andre Pallante
- RHP Nick Robertson
- LHP JoJo Romero
- LHP Zack Thompson
Hard-throwing righty Guillermo Zuniga and lefty John King could also factor into the equation.
The Cardinals had some heavy lifting this winter to improve their pitching staff as a whole after their bullpen finished 20th in SIERA (4.08) last season, and to improve a rotation with holes.
St. Louis hasn’t done a bad job with improving their pen to this point. Nick Robertson was picked up in the Tyler O’Neill trade, while trippy right-hander Andrew Kittredge was acquired from the Rays. Now, the Cardinals can add Middleton to the mix.
An effective middle reliever with the White Sox and Yankees last year, Middleton has the opportunity to be a bridge between a re-aligned rotation and the late-inning combo of Gio Gallegos and Ryan Helsley.