The Cardinals introduced that they’ve claimed left-handed reliever Bailey Horn off waivers from the Tigers. Detroit designated him for project final week. The Cardinals have already got a number of open 40-man spots, so a corresponding transfer isn’t mandatory.
The 26-year-old Horn has now ridden the waiver carousel from Boston, to Detroit to St. Lous in simply over a month’s time. He made his large league debut with the Crimson Sox in 2024, pitching 18 innings and surrendering 13 runs on the power of twenty-two hits and 10 walks with 13 strikeouts. The ensuing 6.50 ERA isn’t a lot to have a look at, however Horn is a 2020 fifth-rounder (White Sox) who’s had some success within the higher minors and been concerned in a single commerce of some be aware — when the Sox despatched him crosstown to the Cubs in a 2021 deal for Ryan Tepera.
Final 12 months with the Crimson Sox, who acquired him in April following one other DFA, he tossed 29 1/3 innings in Triple-A and logged a minuscule 2.15 ERA with a formidable 29.2% strikeout fee. Horn’s 11.7% stroll fee was too excessive, however these fee stats are usually consultant of how he’s carried out all through his minor league profession. He’s punched out 29% of his opponents in 4 minor league seasons but in addition issued a stroll to just about 13% of the batters he’s confronted.
Horn nonetheless has a pair of minor league choice years remaining, making him a versatile bullpen piece for the Cardinals within the short- or maybe long-term. He sits simply shy of 95 mph on his heater and misses bats at a excessive sufficient degree to supply some intrigue for a Playing cards group that’s mild on bullpen certainty (notably if nearer Ryan Helsley is traded earlier than Opening Day or previous to the summer season commerce deadline).
One factor St. Louis does have a good bit of, nevertheless, is left-handed reduction depth. Horn will be a part of a combination together with JoJo Romero, John King, Matthew Liberatore and Zack Thompson. They’re not all confirmed within the majors, however it’s a stable assortment of southpaws all the identical. Romero is simply managed by 2026, so if issues go south for the Playing cards within the season’s first half, he might find yourself a summer season commerce chip himself, doubtlessly opening the door even additional for a chance for the newly acquired Horn.
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