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After a surprisingly competitive first half that saw them go 50-45 before the All-Star break, the St. Louis Cardinals ultimately fell short of competing with the league's elite. Their second-half slide highlighted clear roster deficiencies, particularly at third base and in the bullpen. However, the most pressing need may be a front-end starting pitcher to anchor the rotation.
While a major free-agent splash seems unlikely for St. Louis—especially with a potential lockout looming—there are still several high-upside arms available. One name that stands out is former All-Star Kris Bubic, whom the Cardinals should aggressively pursue, according to MLB.com's Will Leitch.
Bubic earned All-Star honors in 2025 after posting a stellar 2.48 ERA in 18 first-half starts. However, a left rotator cuff strain sidelined him for the remainder of that season, and left elbow soreness kept him out for four months this year. The left-hander has spent time on the 60-day injured list in each of the past four seasons and has never exceeded 130 innings in a single campaign.
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Bubic at this year's trade deadline, but upon returning from the IL in September, he was limited to short relief outings. He surrendered a run in both of his postseason appearances. As Leitch noted, "When Bubic is healthy, he's great. But the left-hander needs to prove he can stay healthy. That sounds a lot like May a year ago."
Despite the injury concerns, Bubic, 29, remained effective this season, pitching to a 3.76 ERA over 14 games (nine starts) with 56 strikeouts. His performance dipped slightly from his All-Star campaign, but his high ceiling is undeniable. For a Cardinals team in need of rotation upgrades, a healthy Bubic would represent a significant improvement.
Because of his injury history, Bubic is unlikely to command a lucrative long-term contract—a scenario that aligns perfectly with St. Louis's financial flexibility. Signing him would not only bolster the rotation but also provide a valuable trade asset at the deadline to further stock the farm system as the club continues its rebuild.
Key Analysis
Pursuing Bubic carries inherent risk given his injury history, but the potential reward is substantial. The Cardinals are in a transitional phase, and adding a pitcher of Bubic's caliber on a short-term, incentive-laden deal could pay dividends both on the field and in future trade negotiations. With the rotation lacking a clear ace, Bubic's upside makes him a worthy gamble for a team looking to bridge the gap to contention.