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Despite surpassing expectations in 2025, the St. Louis Cardinals ultimately fell short of a postseason berth. After offloading several key players last winter, the franchise appeared destined for a full-scale rebuild, and expectations were minimal. Yet, the team remained in playoff contention for much of the season, thanks in part to breakout performances from Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson, as well as the big-league debuts of promising prospects like JJ Wetherholt, Leo Bernal, and Joshua Bez.
While a roster brimming with young talent bodes well for the future, it also presents a significant challenge for the upcoming season. The lineup has a few gaps, most notably at third base, but the inexperience of the pitching staff is expected to be a major hurdle. Kyle Leahy, Michael McGreevy, Andre Pallante, and Quinn Mathews are likely to comprise the starting rotation, while Matthew Liberatore's role remains uncertain after a difficult year.
Even with a respectable rotation, the Cardinals lack a bona fide ace, and addressing that need this offseason seems unlikely. As Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller noted on Friday, "For a team that was expected to endure at least one more rebuilding year, the Cardinals had a pretty respectable starting rotation. Here's a question, though: Had the Cardinals made the postseason, who would they have wanted lined up to start in the wild card round? Or who should toe the rubber on Opening Day? They have a nice stockpile of middle-of-the-rotation arms, but they are desperately lacking in the ace department."
Key Analysis
Given the Cardinals' historical approach, a splashy signing like Tarik Skubal or another $100 million arm is improbable. A trade for a pitcher like Sandy Alcantara, Joe Ryan, or Logan Gilbert on a one-year deal could be tempting, but St. Louis has prioritized rebuilding its farm system over parting with prospects. With the team still a couple of years away from true contention, committing to a long-term ace now would be premature. Instead, the Cardinals are more likely to pursue a veteran with upside, similar to their acquisition of Dustin May this year.