Cardinals Reliever has signed a minor league deal with the Rockies, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. Anderson, represented by Gaeta Sports Management, had previously been with the Cardinals on a minor league contract but exercised his opt-out clause and quickly secured a new opportunity.
While with the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in Memphis, Anderson posted a 6.20 ERA over 20 1/3 innings across 17 outings. Though his strikeout rate (21.5%) and walk rate (8.6%) were respectable, he struggled with hard contact and stranding runners, which likely influenced the Cardinals’ decision not to promote him after his opt-out.
The 34-year-old last pitched in the majors with the Royals during the first half of the 2023 season, logging a 4.04 ERA over 35 2/3 innings with a 19% strikeout rate. Later that year, he had stints in Triple-A with both the Dodgers and Orioles but didn’t return to the big leagues.
Once a standout reliever for the Marlins and Rays during 2019–2020, Anderson has since bounced between teams in a middle relief role. He pitched effectively for the Braves in 2022, putting up a 3.06 ERA over 35 1/3 innings and still averages 94–95 mph with his fastball. The Rockies, whose bullpen has a 4.29 ERA but ranks last in MLB with an 18.9% strikeout rate, could use the added depth and potential strikeout boost.