Former Rays closer has committed to a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The 34-year-old reliever spent three seasons with Tampa Bay but only appeared in 43.2 innings. However, these were among the most dominant frames Rays fans had ever seen.
Anderson had a 5-2 record and a 1.85 ERA while in Tampa Bay. The Minnesota native also struck out 68 batters and walked just seven. That remarkable ratio has not been matched by a Rays pitcher since.
We’ve signed RHP Nick Anderson to a minor league contract and extended him a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.
Anderson, 34, has participated in 165 games over five MLB seasons since his debut in 2019, with a lifetime 3.18 ERA and 31.6% strikeout rate. pic.twitter.com/6AncfxPKhI
— Cardinals Player Development (@CardsPlayerDev), February 7, 2025
Although Anderson had incredible stats with the Rays, he has struggled with every other organization he has played for. We’re not sure if this is just a tribute to the Rays system or a coincidence, but the Cardinals will give him a chance based on his previous success.
The hard-throwing right-hander also has an intriguing backstory. Prior to his MLB career, Anderson was on a very worrying path. He made some terrible mistakes and was arrested for second-degree assault after bashing someone over the head with a baseball bat in a pub. It’s incredible how he was able to overcome this seemingly impossible predicament.
However, the Mayville State alumnus decided to alter his life and pursue his dream of playing in the major leagues. Anderson found a way to play in an independent league known as the Frontier League, where he excelled as a pitcher.
The Twins of his home state of Minnesota were the first to give him an opportunity, but the reliever did not reach the majors until he was dealt to the Marlins in 2018. The righty had ordinary stats in Miami, but after being acquired by the Rays in a deal with Ryne Stanek, he rose to prominence.
Anderson had a 0.55 ERA in 16 innings of work during the abbreviated 2020 season and contributed significantly to an American League championship club. Will the Cardinals receive the same Nick Anderson as five years ago? Probably not. However, he could undoubtedly contribute to a team’s relief core during a rebuilding phase.
