Due to a litany of injuries – shoulder, foot and then carpal tunnel syndrome – the Cardinals' $30.5-million reliever hasn't pitched since the 2018 season, in which his ERA was 6.89 (in 32 2/3 innings). The 2020 season is his last on his contract, and he will make around $7.2 million (currently ninth-highest salary on the Cardinals, but could be 10th if the Cards sign Marcell Ozuna).
Cecil's existence, to a degree, keeps the Cardinals from possible offseason spending. Then again, Cecil's existence might've prevented some regrettable offseason spending, both in the past and in the future.