The St. Louis Cardinals made significant roster changes during the offseason, parting ways with several key players including Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, and Nolan Arenado. In return, the organization focused on acquiring young pitching talent to rebuild and strengthen its minor league system. This strategy has already improved the club’s depth on the mound compared to previous years, when pitching resources in the farm system were notably thin.
One of the notable additions from the Sonny Gray trade was right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts, formerly of the Boston Red Sox organization. Fitts showed promise during spring training and came close to earning a spot in the Cardinals’ Opening Day rotation. Although he didn’t make the final cut, he remained a strong candidate to contribute at the major league level if needed.
However, the Cardinals recently encountered a setback. According to reports, Fitts has been placed on the injured list at Triple-A Memphis due to a lat strain. This injury temporarily removes a valuable depth option from the organization, which is particularly concerning given the unpredictable nature of pitching health. While the team is still better positioned than in past seasons, the loss highlights a recurring reality in baseball: it’s nearly impossible to have too much pitching.
Fitts had performed reasonably well in his final spring outing, pitching 4 2/3 innings while allowing just two runs. His performance suggested he could step into the major league rotation if an opportunity arose. With current starters like Andre Pallante and Kyle Leahy struggling to produce consistent results, Fitts could have been a logical call-up option. Unfortunately, his injury delays any such possibility, and there is no clear timeline for his return.
The Cardinals’ early-season pitching struggles add to the concern. Through their first 15 games, the team has posted a 5.10 ERA, indicating ongoing issues within the starting rotation. If these struggles persist, pitching performance could become a defining factor in how the Cardinals’ 2026 season unfolds.
Looking ahead, the team still has opportunities to improve its pitching pipeline. The upcoming draft provides a chance to add more arms, continuing their focus on long-term development. However, the current situation requires patience. With Fitts sidelined and limited reliable options available, the Cardinals will likely need to rely on their existing roster rather than seeking immediate external solutions.
This approach aligns with the team’s broader outlook for the season. The Cardinals are not in a clear win-now mode, so aggressive moves like signing high-profile free agents or trading for established pitchers are unlikely. Instead, they appear committed to evaluating their current talent and building for the future.
As the season progresses, the trade deadline could present another opportunity to add prospects if the team falls out of contention. For now, though, the Cardinals must navigate challenges with their current roster and hope their young pitchers continue to develop despite setbacks like Fitts’ injury.
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