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The St. Louis Cardinals wrapped up a season that exceeded expectations, and their future appears much more secure than it did a year ago. Even though the team missed the playoffs and finished with a losing record for the second consecutive year, there is reason for optimism in St. Louis.
The Cardinals remained in playoff contention for a large portion of the season, and several young players, including JJ Wetherholt, Jordan Walker, and Alec Burleson, have established themselves as core pieces for the future. While the rebuild seems to be progressing faster than anticipated, the team is still likely a few years away from being a true contender.
With that in mind, the Cardinals might opt to follow a similar offseason strategy to the one they used last year: signing free-agent pitchers with upside to short-term contracts rather than pursuing a star. One such example was Dustin May, who proved to be a valuable addition.
"The Cardinals didn't make many additions heading into the 2026 season, but the biggest one they did make turned out to be an unqualified success," MLB.com's Will Leitch wrote on Thursday. "May, brought in on a one-year deal last December, provided stability and a 4.38 ERA in 109 innings, which eased the burden on a rotation that didn't have much certainty heading into the year."
Even with fewer available rotation spots—Michael McGreevy, Andre Pallante, Kyle Leahy, and Quinn Mathews appear to have strong claims on four of them—the Cardinals may still be in the market for a similar free-agent starter this year. The ideal candidate would be someone with upside but not coming off a stellar contract year in 2025, the type of pitcher who might accept a one-year pillow contract.
Leitch suggested names like Kris Bubic, Shane Bieber, or even a reunion with May, who struggled after being traded to Milwaukee. "Kris Bubic? Shane Bieber? Heck, May again, after his disappointing stretch run in Milwaukee? It would seem to make some sense," Leitch wrote.
May made 21 starts for the Cardinals this season and was one of the most sought-after starting pitchers at the trade deadline. His expiring contract and veteran presence made him an attractive option for contending teams.
Bieber could be an excellent target for St. Louis this offseason. Despite injury struggles over the past three years, he is a two-time All-Star and former Cy Young Award winner. If he can regain his form, he would be a significant boost to the Cardinals' rotation.
Contenders are always in need of starting pitching at the trade deadline, so signing a pitcher with upside to flip for prospects or young players could be a smart move for the Cardinals, especially with several pitching prospects nearing the majors.
Shaun McAvoy is a freelance writer with experience working with Newsweek, NESN, The Sporting News, and SportsNet Pittsburgh. A Boston-area native from Billerica, Massachusetts, he graduated from Merrimack College with a degree in Sports Management and Communications and Media. He is an avid fan of Star Wars, Marvel, and DC. Follow him on Twitter: @shaunmcavoy3.