The St. Louis Cardinals are nearing the completion of their Opening Day roster for the 2026 season, though a few competitions are still ongoing. One of the most notable position battles remains in left field, while the pitching staff is beginning to take clearer shape as the team moves closer to the start of the regular season.
During the offseason, St. Louis was active in reshaping its roster, particularly through trades. One of the earliest moves saw the Cardinals acquire right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for veteran starter Sonny Gray. The deal was part of a broader effort to add depth and flexibility to the organization’s pitching pipeline.
However, recent developments indicate that Fitts will not begin the season at the major league level. Reports confirmed that he has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis, signaling that the Cardinals want him to continue developing before contributing in the big leagues.
Fitts had a challenging showing during Grapefruit League play this spring. Although he posted a 2–1 record across three starts, his 5.79 ERA highlighted some inconsistencies. Despite those struggles, the organization still views him as a valuable piece, especially given its emphasis on building pitching depth. Much of that depth can be credited to the work of front office executive Chaim Bloom, who helped orchestrate multiple trades to strengthen the staff.
As the Cardinals continue their rebuilding phase, immediate contention is not the primary focus. Instead, the team is prioritizing development and evaluation of its younger talent. With Fitts starting the season in the minors, the major league rotation now appears largely set.
Another factor influencing the rotation is the injury to Hunter Dobbins, who was acquired from Boston in the deal involving Willson Contreras. Dobbins is expected to begin the year on the injured list after suffering a torn ACL during the 2025 season, removing him from immediate consideration.
With both Fitts and Dobbins unavailable, St. Louis is expected to open the season with a rotation that includes Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, Michael McGreevy, Kyle Leahy, and Andre Pallante. While this group lacks extensive experience, it offers upside and an opportunity for younger arms to establish themselves.
Even without Gray anchoring the staff, the Cardinals appear to have more pitching depth than in recent seasons. That depth could prove crucial over the course of a long season, especially if injuries arise. In such cases, Fitts is expected to be one of the first options called up to reinforce the rotation.
Looking ahead, Fitts may not remain in the minors for long. Beyond injury replacements, the Cardinals could consider implementing a six-man rotation at times during the season. This approach would allow regular starters to get extra rest, with Fitts stepping in as needed.
The team successfully used a similar strategy in 2025, frequently relying on McGreevy in short stints to manage workload across the rotation. While there’s no guarantee the same method will be as effective again, it remains a viable option for manager Oli Marmol and the front office.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ approach in 2026 will likely focus on flexibility and development. With a mix of young talent and organizational depth, they are positioning themselves to evaluate their future core while remaining prepared for whatever challenges arise during the season.
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