The Cardinals announced on Friday that they’ve signed right-hander to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Represented by Gaeta Sports Management, Anderson recently held a workout for big league scouts to demonstrate his readiness following an injury-plagued 2024 season.
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC-2, Anderson would earn $1.1 million if he reaches the majors. His deal also includes an upward mobility clause, allowing another team to add him to their Opening Day roster if he doesn’t make the Cardinals’ squad out of camp.
Anderson has battled multiple injuries throughout his career. He ended the 2023 season on the injured list due to a shoulder strain and missed the start of 2022 while recovering from an internal brace procedure before plantar fasciitis sidelined him later that year. Over the years, he has also dealt with a back strain and a forearm issue.
Despite his extensive injury history, Anderson has been highly effective when healthy. Since his MLB debut in 2019, he has posted a 3.18 ERA over 158 1/3 innings, recording 39 holds and 10 saves. His peripheral stats are impressive, including a 31.6% strikeout rate, 7.3% walk rate, and a standout 15.4% swinging-strike rate.
Now 34, Anderson represents a potential high-upside addition to the Cardinals’ bullpen if he can stay on the field. He hasn’t completed a full season since 2019, but given the low-risk nature of the deal, the Cardinals have little to lose in taking a chance on him.
If he remains healthy and performs well, he could become a valuable trade chip as St. Louis looks to bolster its farm system. Anderson, who has accrued 5.094 years of MLB service time, is likely to reach free agency at season’s end, as he needs just 78 more days in the majors to reach six full years of service.
The Cardinals’ bullpen entering 2025 remains largely unchanged, despite the team shifting focus toward player development. The front office has reportedly turned down interest in star closer and pending free agent Ryan Helsley.
Other key bullpen options include JoJo Romero, Ryan Fernandez, Matthew Liberatore, and John King. If Anderson makes the roster, he could slot into a setup role and even get closing opportunities should Helsley be traded or sidelined with an injury.
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