A former All-Star pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals believes veteran right-hander Dustin May could soon be on the move as the franchise continues to reshape its roster. With the organization entering the early stages of a rebuild led by Chaim Bloom, expectations for immediate success remain modest, and roster decisions appear focused on long-term growth rather than short-term results.
Over the offseason, St. Louis parted ways with several high-profile players, including Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan. Despite these departures, the front office still made calculated additions, highlighted by the December signing of May to a one-year deal worth $12.5 million, which also includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. While the move added depth to the pitching staff, it may ultimately serve a different purpose.
Former Cardinals standout Lance Lynn recently shared his thoughts on the situation, suggesting that May’s time in St. Louis could be brief. According to Lynn, the expectation is that the right-hander will be traded at the deadline if he performs well. His comments imply that the signing was less about building a contender this season and more about acquiring a valuable asset that could later be flipped for future talent.
May’s recent track record includes time with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox during the 2025 campaign. Across 23 starts and a pair of relief appearances, he posted a 7–11 record with a 4.96 ERA. Injuries have hampered his consistency in recent years, but the Cardinals are hopeful he can regain the form that once made him a promising arm earlier in his career.
If May can stay healthy and deliver strong performances, he could significantly boost his trade value. That scenario would make him an appealing option for contending teams in need of pitching help. For St. Louis, moving him at peak value would be a strategic decision, potentially bringing in a group of young prospects to strengthen the organization’s future outlook.
The Cardinals have struggled to maintain their previous level of success, failing to return to the postseason since their 93-win campaign in 2022. In fact, they have finished below .500 in two of the last three seasons, signaling a clear need for organizational change. As a result, the focus has shifted toward rebuilding and developing a stronger farm system rather than chasing immediate contention.
Given the team’s current trajectory, it seems likely they will act as sellers when the trade deadline arrives. May’s contract and upside make him one of the most logical candidates to be moved, especially if his performance rebounds. His ability to generate interest on the market could play a key role in accelerating the rebuild.
Ultimately, the decision to sign May reflects a broader strategy. Bloom appears intent on accumulating assets and positioning the franchise for sustained success in the coming years. While it remains to be seen how the season unfolds, the expectation is that May will only remain with St. Louis if the team unexpectedly exceeds expectations and finds itself in the playoff race.
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