The St. Louis Cardinals have had a busy offseason, and apparently they aren’t quite done. On Monday, the Angels inked a deal with free agent reliever Bud Norris. According to reports, the contract will pan just one season, and will pay Norris $3 million for 2018. The veteran right-hander must first pass a physical, but the deal is expected to go through.
Free-agent right-hander Bud Norris in agreement with #STLCards, pending a physical, sources tell The Athletic. Excelled in first half with #Angels last season, but performance suffered after right knee inflammation twice forced him to DL.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 12, 2018
Cardinals Add Relief Help, Sign Bud Norris
Norris, 32, debuted in 2009 with the Houston Astros, and has since seen time with the Baltimore Orioles, the San Diego Padres, the Atlanta Braves, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and, most recently, the Los Angeles Angels. He has served both as a starter and a reliever over the years, but is primarily a relief pitcher.
In 2014, while a full-time starter for the Orioles, Norris made 28 starts and recorded arguably his best statistical season. En route to a 1.9 WAR, Norris won 15 games, struck out 139 batters, and accumulated a 3.65 ERA. That was his final season as a regular starter
Most recently, with the Angels, Norris turned in a relatively strong performance. In each month from April through June, Norris held an ERA of 3.18 or lower, saved 11 games, and struck out 42 while walking just 13. However, a midseasons knee injury derailed his campaign, and he struggled through July and August.
Finally, in September, it seemed as though he was getting back on track. He turned in a 3.27 ERA in 11 September innings. If that continues into the start of the 2018 season and the Cardinals get the Norris of April, May, June, and September, St. Louis will have added a very strong option to their bullpen.
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