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Cardinals Sign Drew VerHagen To Two-Year Deal

By Steve Adams | March 11, 2022 at 11:13am CDT

The first Major League free-agent signing following the MLB lockout went to an unexpected player, as the Cardinals announced Friday that they’ve signed right-hander Drew VerHagen to a two-year contract. VerHagen, a client of ISE Baseball, spent the past two seasons pitching in Japan. He’ll reportedly be guaranteed a total of $5.5MM — $2.5MM in 2022 and $3MM in 2023. He can further boost his earnings via incentives.

While the 31-year-old VerHagen probably wasn’t predicted by many as the first post-lockout domino to fall, he’ll head back to the big leagues not only on a guaranteed contract but on a multi-year arrangement. The 6’6″ righty struggled for much of his six seasons with the Tigers, pitching to a 5.11 ERA over the life of 199 big league frames. His two-year stint overseas changed his fortunes, however, as VerHagen broke out as a key member of the Nippon-Ham Fighters’ bullpen.

In two seasons with the Fighters, VerHagen notched a 3.51 ERA in 2017 1/3 innings while punching out a quarter of his opponents against a strong 7.2% walk rate. He’s long had decent velocity (94 mph average) on his sinker and has a track record of inducing grounders at a high rate (53.9% in the Majors) — which fits in well with the Cardinals’ otherworldy infield defense.

Broadly speaking, the Cardinals have a track record in signing players out of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and the Korea Baseball Organization — both in terms of former big leaguers making a return and established NPB/KBO stars making their first jump to MLB. The Cardinals’ 2017 signing of Miles Mikolas (two years, $15.5MM) proved one of the better return pickups in recent memory, and KBO lefty Kwang Hyun Kim spent the past two seasons as a key member of the St. Louis pitching staff after signing at two years and $8MM. VerHagen is the latest to follow that path on a big league deal, though the Cards’ January signing of righty Aaron Brooks to a minor league contract could eventually enter that fold.

VerHagen worked out of the rotation with the Fighters, and Cards president of baseball operations John Mozeliak suggested today he’ll compete for a starting job in St. Louis as well (Twitter link via Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat). That said, a bullpen spot seems easier to carve out, given the already crowded nature of the team’s starting staff. The Cardinals’ rotation includes Jack Flaherty, Adam Wainwright, Dakota Hudson, Mikolas and lefty Steven Matz, who inked a four-year, $44MM deal earlier in the offseason. The Cards also have prospects Matthew Liberatore and Zack Thompson working their way toward the Majors, plus depth options like Jake Woodford and Johan Oviedo.

The addition of VerHagen gives them a potential long relief and spot-start option, but he could also find his way into a late-inning role if he can maintain some of his overseas success. Giovanny Gallegos is the current favorite to close games for newly minted manager Oliver Marmol, and there’s plenty of talent throughout the rest of the bullpen mix. Alex Reyes and Jordan Hicks have both closed games in the past, while Genesis Cabrera and veteran T.J. McFarland give the Cards a pair of solid left-handed options. It’s quite possible the Cards will make further bullpen additions, as they’ve been connected to higher-profile relievers such as Joe Kelly and Ryan Tepera throughout the duration of the lockout.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com first reported the agreement and the terms.

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St. Louis Cardinals Transactions Drew VerHagen

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View Comments (78)

Comments

  1. Yankee Clipper

    11 months ago

    Yeah, a FA signing!

    Reply
    • LordD99

      11 months ago

      There should have been a contest!

      Reply
      • Tacoshells

        11 months ago

        No one would have guessed this !

        Reply
        • tommygun1971

          11 months ago

          George Costanza would have said he called it though…. 🙂

        • Ully

          11 months ago

          Professor Frink from the Simpson’s would have!

    • NoCryingInBaseball

      11 months ago

      @Yankee Clipper, I am surprised it happened so quickly. Clubs and players are just beginning to talk again.
      I’m checking Trade Rumors often, hoping the Mariners do something wise. They have to replace Seager’s RBIs.

      Reply
      • Johnny R.

        11 months ago

        Clubs and players have been talking all along. Just on burner phones. Lol

        Reply
    • 17dizzy

      11 months ago

      Yes Sir!!

      The first Free Agent signing after the Lock-Out goes to——— the St. Louis Cardinals!!

      Mozeliak wins the race to sign the free agent of choice—- a 31 year old former Detroit Tigers— MLB wash out!!!

      Cardinals

      Reply
      • Win Cor

        11 months ago

        Devil Magic!

        Reply
        • DonnyDownvote

          11 months ago

          This confirms it. The Cardinals are Satanists.

    • Franklin Souze

      11 months ago

      Owners have a bonus clause for !st FA signed post Lock Out?
      Now – watch this guy blow it up this season?

      Reply
  2. D*ckin the dog

    11 months ago

    Here we go!!!!!

    Reply
    • stymeedone

      11 months ago

      2017 innings in two years is quite the accomplishment, lol.

      Reply
  3. 8ManLineupNoPitcherNoDH

    11 months ago

    About time something happened

    Reply
    • Djc1973

      11 months ago

      Lol it only tool three months lmbo

      Reply
  4. MC Tim C

    11 months ago

    THIS is the first signing?? LAAAAAAAME lol

    Reply
  5. zachary08

    11 months ago

    Tampering alert

    Reply
  6. dynamite drop in monty

    11 months ago

    Collusion canceled?

    Reply
  7. mikevm3

    11 months ago

    Open the floodgates

    Reply
  8. dsett75

    11 months ago

    I’m not only surprised that it’s taken this long for a ML deal, but I’m also surprised that VerHagen got a 2-year deal. He was mostly terrible with the Tigers. He must’ve righted the ship over in Japan apparently.

    Reply
    • lionsman86

      11 months ago

      Put up a 3.51 era in 207 innings in Japan. I’m
      Kinda surprised he wasn’t a minor league deal

      Reply
    • Dotnet22

      11 months ago

      Low walk rate and good ground ball %. Just what the Cardinals are looking for with the stellar infield defense.

      Reply
      • spudchukar

        11 months ago

        Exactly!

        Reply
    • For Love of the Game

      11 months ago

      He had the “stuff,” but just couldn’t put it together. You can says that about a lot of failed starters who went to the pen out of desperation. That’s why I’m astonished that he got a two-year deal for that kind of money.

      Reply
  9. gdbyers

    11 months ago

    Is this the first signing lol?

    Reply
    • tigerdoc616

      11 months ago

      I think it is!

      Reply
    • SteveC

      11 months ago

      Well, if you trust the first sentence “IN THE ARTICLE” it is

      Reply
  10. Rick Pernell

    11 months ago

    I don’t think the rush to sign is going to materialize. Everyone is going to hold out as long as possible to ensure that a better deal cannot be had.

    Reply
    • rememberthecoop

      11 months ago

      Even so, there is only about a month and that includes FA and trades.

      Reply
    • Johnny R.

      11 months ago

      Clubs and players have been talking all along. Just on burner phones.

      Reply
  11. minnesota2887

    11 months ago

    Hmm, his Japan numbers were lackluster
    Odd 2 year deal

    Reply
    • rememberthecoop

      11 months ago

      Well, aside from the fact that Japan is not MLB, his ERA would actually be considered very good these days. Times have changed my friend.

      Reply
  12. dale123

    11 months ago

    Another scrub

    Reply
  13. tigerdoc616

    11 months ago

    Good for Drew. Met him when he was with the Tigers. Very nice young man. Wish him nothing but the best with the Cards.

    Reply
  14. Tacoshells

    11 months ago

    Yeah!! FA signing !!! More more more !!

    Reply
  15. DarkSide830

    11 months ago

    lolCardinals

    Reply
    • Dotnet22

      11 months ago

      Please explain.

      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        11 months ago

        This dude is terrible and they gave him two years. I think STL is a well run team but this is not it.

        Reply
        • Dotnet22

          11 months ago

          5.5M over 2 years isn’t going to kill this teams budget and this guy could be a diamond in the rough. Good ground ball percentage and low walk rate works well on this team.

        • fox471 Dave

          11 months ago

          Not terrible. He was with a terrible team. Tigers are much better now and, apparently, so is he.

        • rememberthecoop

          11 months ago

          The Cards defense alone should help him though. Look at what Flexen got from the M’s.

        • Jonny5

          11 months ago

          Not as bad as some of your takes, DarkSide.

        • DarkSide830

          11 months ago

          Sure it isn’t goint to kill them, but he’s a 5.11 ERA pitcher in the Majors and 3.51 in Japan. Heck, he’s only got a 3.97 ERA in AAA.

        • DarkSide830

          11 months ago

          whatever man. no one said you needed to read them.

        • Hippyripper

          11 months ago

          And that number will drop to below three in front of the Cardianls defense if he doesn’t allow homeruns and doesn’t walk people with the basesloaded

        • rocknwell

          11 months ago

          I suppose this could be said about nearly any pitcher in baseball. But you’re not wrong!

  16. stymeedone

    11 months ago

    He had righted the ship during his last season with Detroit, piggybacking with Fulmer. He’d had a fractured back that he somewhat pitched thru before it was discovered. He’s got a mean sinker.

    Reply
  17. bighiggy

    11 months ago

    Cards like those hard throwing ground ball specialists. But 2 years seems a stretch for a guy who didn’t dominate

    Reply
  18. Camden453

    11 months ago

    Good low cost high upside signing. That’s the way to do it. If it doesn’t work out, well, you’re only down 2.5m and 3m

    Reply
  19. preauto

    11 months ago

    Ok who had this guy to be the first signing?

    Reply
  20. FSF

    11 months ago

    Drew Ver Who?

    Reply
  21. whyhayzee

    11 months ago

    Will he still let his wife pay for her meal?

    Reply
  22. lucas0622

    11 months ago

    Hot stove is hot

    Reply
  23. hyraxwithaflamethrower

    11 months ago

    So it begins…

    Reply
  24. Bauer? But I Hardly Know Her!

    11 months ago

    It only makes sense that the first signing would be for a role player. You really think Kris Bryant gonna sign first thing, suggesting that all GMs were ignoring the restriction or that he’d take the first offer?

    Reply
  25. philliesfan215

    11 months ago

    If he is punching 1/4 of his opponents he is in the wrong sport.

    Reply
    • Hippyripper

      11 months ago

      Me too yo me too

      Reply
  26. Bob333

    11 months ago

    Drew who lets get moving with the BIG GUYS Bryant will be first and sign with the Phillies

    Reply
    • rememberthecoop

      11 months ago

      I actually do think that KB signs with Philly. Unites him with his best buddy.

      Reply
    • Hippyripper

      11 months ago

      Bigs guys are a waste of money? What was the payroll of the world series winner last year?

      Reply
  27. jason 54

    11 months ago

    All ex- Tigers should get the Prince Treatment of exorbitantly more money then the deserve. That way the organization that do it right like Toronto will win another championship in the toughest division in baseball and take home the crown.

    Reply
  28. vtadave

    11 months ago

    Called it!

    Reply
  29. jackhammer838

    11 months ago

    How did he pitch 2017 innings in two years?

    Reply
    • Codeeg

      11 months ago

      Yea hopefully he still has an arm

      Reply
  30. topchuckie

    11 months ago

    I cannot believe this is the newest article for almost 2 hours on this day!!! Arrrrgh.

    ETA: Didn’t see it was CDT, but still.

    Reply
  31. Pedro Martinez’s Mango Tree

    11 months ago

    So… 100 days for this, huh?

    Reply
  32. Redbird314

    11 months ago

    Reach for the stars, Mo.

    Reply
  33. gomer33

    11 months ago

    At first I wasn’t thinking a 3.51 ERA was that great coming back to the MLB but sweet jesus he pitched 2017 1/3 innings over two years. 😉

    Reply
  34. fivetwos

    11 months ago

    I expected a flood of signings by now.

    Guess they don’t want to make it too obvious that they were all talking during the lockout lol.

    Reply
  35. Doug

    11 months ago

    Waiting for the “FREE AGENT FRENZY” to start and all we get is DREW VAN HAGEN?

    Reply
  36. HalosHeavenJJ

    11 months ago

    I’m a big fan of ground ball pitchers. Quick outs, hard to stage a big rally against.

    He should fit perfectly in St. Louis.

    Reply
  37. mack423

    11 months ago

    I really liked him about 5 years ago. Didn’t know he had gone to Japan and assumed he had flamed out.

    Reply
  38. Four4fore

    11 months ago

    Lock out kept the Cardinals from dumpster diving for 99 days.

    Reply
  39. Ully

    11 months ago

    My prediction for the 2nd spicy signing is Ablert Puljos with Olmecas de Tabasco

    Reply
  40. MarkieFresh

    11 months ago

    Seems like a pretty good try out. I hope the Cards go six man rotation help to keep the mix ease into the season and allow more fluid transitions. Flaherty might get his first complete full work. Hudson just off injury season. I would be pretty happy if Waino, Mikolas and Matz start more then 85 games combined.

    Reply
  41. Hippyripper

    11 months ago

    “The Cardinals’ 2017 signing of Miles Mikolas (two years, $15.5MM) proved one of the better return pickups in recent memory”

    I’d rather had paid Lance Lynn that money, but for a KBO pick up Mikolas has been good, Lynn has been better for the same amount

    Reply
  42. tigers2022

    11 months ago

    2017 1/3 innings in two years? Stud

    Reply
  43. Peart of the game

    11 months ago

    A six man rotation makes sense because of all the health question marks between Wainwright, Flaherty, Mikolas, Hudson.

    Reply

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