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Former Rays dominant closer signs a minor league deal with the Cardinals

ByMason Stacy|
Oct 27, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Nick Anderson (70) pitches during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game six of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Nick Anderson (70) pitches during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game six of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Former Rays closer Nick Anderson has agreed to a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. The 34-year old reliever spent three seasons in Tampa Bay, but only appeared in 43.2 innings. However, they were some of the more dominant frames Rays fans have ever seen.

Anderson went 5-2 with a 1.85 ERA in his time with Tampa Bay. The Minnesota native also struck 68 opposing hitters and walked only seven. That incredible ratio has not been replicated by a Rays hurler since.

Although his stats with the Rays were out of this world, Anderson has really struggled with every other team he's been a part of. We're not sure if this is purely a testament to the Rays system or just a coincidence, but regardless, the Cardinals will give him a shot due to his past success.

The hard-throwing right-hander also has an intriguing backstory. Prior to his MLB career, Anderson was going down a very concerning path. He made some poor decisions and wound up getting arrested with second-degree assault for hitting someone over the head with a baseball bat at a bar. It's amazing that he was able to overcome this seemingly implausible situation.

However, the Mayville State alumni decided to redirect his life and continue after his dream of playing in the big leagues. Anderson found a way to play for an independent league called the Frontier League and shined as a dominant pitcher.

The Twins from his home state of Minnesota were the first club to give him a chance, but the reliever didn't break into the majors until he was traded to the Marlins in 2018. The righty posted average numbers in Miami, but when the Rays acquired him through a trade that included Ryne Stanek, he became a star.

In the shortened 2020 campaign, Anderson produced a 0.55 ERA in 16 innings of work and was a major contributor on an American League championship team. Will the Cardinals get the same Nick Anderson of five years ago? Probably not. Although, he could certainly aid in the relief core of a team in a rebuild phase.

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