Although Mark Buehrle hinted at retirement following his 16th major league season, there could be a way the southpaw returns for another year.
The Toronto Sun reported that Buehrle will only play for his hometown Cardinals, which coincidentally are in need of a starter after Lance Lynn underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday.
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Buehrle, who turns 37 in March, finished 2015 with a 15-8 record with a 3.81 ERA and a 91:33 K:BB ratio in 198 2/3 innings for the Blue Jays.
With John Lackey a free agent and Lynn down for 2016, the Cardinals may welcome Buehrle to join Adam Wainwright, Jaime Garcia, Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez in the rotation next season.
Buehrle played his first 12 seasons for the White Sox. During his tenure with Chicago, he tossed two no-hitters including a perfect game, appeared in four All-Star games, earned four Gold Glove Awards and won a World Series championship in 2005. He spent the 2012 season with the Marlins before being traded to the Blue Jays.
The Cardinals may be inclined to sign a starter from the deep free agent market this winter.