Reports: RHP Keynan Middleton set to sign with Cards

Field Level Media|published: Fri 2nd February, 24:13 2024

Aug 31, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Keynan Middleton (93) pitches in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. credits: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Free agent reliever Keynan Middleton and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to contract terms pending a physical, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.

The 30-year-old right-hander began last season with the Chicago White Sox, then was dealt to the New York Yankees at the Aug. 1 trade deadline in exchange for minor league right-hander Juan Carela.

He had no decisions and a 1.88 ERA in 12 appearances for New York, capping a season in which he went 2-2 with two saves and a 3.38 ERA in 51 outings.

Middleton is headed to his sixth team as he enters his eighth major league season.

He broke into the majors with the Angels in 2017, then logged a career-best six saves for Los Angeles the following year. Middleton spent one season apiece with the Seattle Mariners (2021) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (2022) before signing a minor league deal with the White Sox last January.

The Cardinals' top ninth-inning options last season, Ryan Helsley (14 saves) and Giovanny Gallegos (10 saves), remain with the club.

—Field Level Media