headtopics
The St. Louis Cardinals concluded the 2026 season below .500 for the third time in the last four years, yet the club demonstrated significant strides in its rebuild and appears to be in a stronger position heading into 2027 than it was before the 2026 campaign. While the bullpen remains a priority, adding a starting pitcher could also be a prudent move.
Will Leitch recently identified five starters the Cardinals might consider, including left-hander Foster Griffin, who pitched for the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Guardians in 2026. The Nationals signed Griffin to a $5.5 million deal after he spent the previous three seasons in Japan, and he delivered 22 starts with a 3.06 ERA before being traded to Cleveland for four prospects. Although Griffin struggled after the trade, he contributed to the Guardians' postseason run.
Leitch described Griffin as the opposite of Bubic, offering a higher floor but a lower ceiling. That reliability holds substantial value, and Griffin would be eager to prove he can remain durable for a second consecutive season. Between the Nationals and Guardians, Griffin won 15 games and recorded a 3.60 ERA in 31 starts, striking out 158 batters over 172 2/3 innings and posting a 3.3 WAR. He played a key role in helping Cleveland reach the American League Championship Series despite a rough second half.
Key Analysis
At 31, Griffin should fit within the Cardinals' budget and could be signed to a one- or two-year contract as St. Louis seeks to bolster its rotation. The Cardinals are not expected to be major players for top-tier free agents, making Griffin a realistic target who could even become a trade candidate at the deadline if the team falls out of contention. He earned $5.5 million in 2026 and will likely command a slightly higher salary this time, but St. Louis can afford the deal and would gain a trusted veteran in the process.
Originally reported by headtopics.