Cardinals welcome strong bullpen fit in Cecil

A month and a half ago, when their 2016 campaign ended, the Cardinals didn’t expect to make a big bullpen move this offseason. They certainly didn’t plan to be players in the market for closers like Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen or Mark Melancon.

But there was general manager John Mozeliak at Busch Stadium on Monday afternoon, presenting a four-year contract — and a No. 21 Cardinals jersey — to a reliever. The Cards officially announced the signing of left-hander Brett Cecil, turning the loss of lefty Zach Duke into an opportunity to add an experienced, versatile arm.

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“If we were going to make a splash in the bullpen,” Mozeliak said, “he was the one we identified.”

The Cardinals did not disclose the financial terms of Cecil’s deal, but he will reportedly receive $30.5 million with a full no-trade clause over the next four years. The Cards designated catcher Brayan Pena for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Cecil.

The lefty reliever was immediately intrigued by the Redbirds’ interest and signed quickly. He spoke highly of the Cardinals’ history and St. Louis’ reputation as a baseball town.

“When all the teams were being mentioned and St. Louis came …

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