Two huge factors in the Cardinals being better in '26

[NYCardsFan]

I see a different two factors. Fedde and Mikolas (and even Pallante). We're a bit unsettled right now, so we'll see how things come together, but how much of a stretch is it to gain 10-15 games through those rotation spots?

At least 10.

Mikolas and Fedde were both replacement level pitchers last year (0.3 and 0.0 fWAR, respectively). Please tell us what two starting pitchers the Cardinals realistically can add who will contribute “at least 10” fWAR in 2026. Be specific.

I'd like an increase of 1 WAR from 6 position players and 4 WAR from pitching. Say 2 WAR from May, 1 WAR from Fitts and 1 WAR from Liberatore.

Unfortunately, those hypothetical increases in pitching fWAR would just barely offset what they lost with Gray.

[NYCardsFan]

I see a different two factors. Fedde and Mikolas (and even Pallante). We're a bit unsettled right now, so we'll see how things come together, but how much of a stretch is it to gain 10-15 games through those rotation spots?

At least 10.

Mikolas and Fedde were both replacement level pitchers last year (0.3 and 0.0 fWAR, respectively). Please tell us what two starting pitchers the Cardinals realistically can add who will contribute “at least 10” fWAR in 2026. Be specific.

and we lost at least 3.5 WAR with the Gray trade...even if Fitts optimistically produces at least 1 WAR, you have to account for another 2.5 WAR.

Yep. For the sake of discussion, I’m slotting in May as Gray’s replacement. May’s career high in fWAR: 1.3.

[craviduce]

I see a different two factors. Fedde and Mikolas (and even Pallante). We're a bit unsettled right now, so we'll see how things come together, but how much of a stretch is it to gain 10-15 games through those rotation spots?

At least 10.

Mikolas and Fedde were both replacement level pitchers last year (0.3 and 0.0 fWAR, respectively). Please tell us what two starting pitchers the Cardinals realistically can add who will contribute “at least 10” fWAR in 2026. Be specific.

I'd like an increase of 1 WAR from 6 position players and 4 WAR from pitching. Say 2 WAR from May, 1 WAR from Fitts and 1 WAR from Liberatore.

Unfortunately, those hypothetical increases in pitching fWAR would just barely offset what they lost with Gray.

if the Pirates and Reds were the normal Pirates and Reds heading into 2026, we would have a chance, probably a decent one, to approach those WAR numbers, but those two teams are on the way up...especially with their pitching. I don't see us out-dueling either very often. And both have expressed interest in improving their offense this offseason...we haven't....which is the real crux we aren't addressing with this OP...AGAIN.

[Shady]

I see a different two factors. Fedde and Mikolas (and even Pallante). We're a bit unsettled right now, so we'll see how things come together, but how much of a stretch is it to gain 10-15 games through those rotation spots?

At least 10.

Mikolas and Fedde were both replacement level pitchers last year (0.3 and 0.0 fWAR, respectively). Please tell us what two starting pitchers the Cardinals realistically can add who will contribute “at least 10” fWAR in 2026. Be specific.

I'd like an increase of 1 WAR from 6 position players and 4 WAR from pitching. Say 2 WAR from May, 1 WAR from Fitts and 1 WAR from Liberatore.

Unfortunately, those hypothetical increases in pitching fWAR would just barely offset what they lost with Gray.

if the Pirates and Reds were the normal Pirates and Reds heading into 2026, we would have a chance, probably a decent one, to approach those WAR numbers, but those two teams are on the way up...especially with their pitching. I don't see us out-dueling either very often. And both have expressed interest in improving their offense this offseason...we haven't....which is the real crux we aren't addressing with this OP...AGAIN.

Good assessment of the starting pitching situation, But the OP holds true. However, If the Cardinals insist on playing Gorman and Walker. They simply have to be more productive in order for the Cardinals to improve much. You kind of addressed that in a different manner.

[Kljwhite]

I would like to see a Nootbarr for Bobby Miller from the Dodgers trade. And a two year deal to Miquel Andujar for a additional righty bat.

[Shady]

I would like to see a Nootbarr for Bobby Miller from the Dodgers trade. And a two year deal to Miquel Andujar for a additional righty bat.

How could Nootbaar get Miller?

[Mort Gage]

I see a different two factors. Fedde and Mikolas (and even Pallante). We're a bit unsettled right now, so we'll see how things come together, but how much of a stretch is it to gain 10-15 games through those rotation spots?

At least 10.

Mikolas and Fedde were both replacement level pitchers last year (0.3 and 0.0 fWAR, respectively). Please tell us what two starting pitchers the Cardinals realistically can add who will contribute “at least 10” fWAR in 2026. Be specific.

I'd like an increase of 1 WAR from 6 position players and 4 WAR from pitching. Say 2 WAR from May, 1 WAR from Fitts and 1 WAR from Liberatore.

Unfortunately, those hypothetical increases in pitching fWAR would just barely offset what they lost with Gray.

if the Pirates and Reds were the normal Pirates and Reds heading into 2026, we would have a chance, probably a decent one, to approach those WAR numbers, but those two teams are on the way up...especially with their pitching. I don't see us out-dueling either very often. And both have expressed interest in improving their offense this offseason...we haven't....which is the real crux we aren't addressing with this OP...AGAIN.

Good assessment of the starting pitching situation, But the OP holds true. If the Cardinals insist on playing Gorman and Walker. They simply have to be more productive in order for the Cardinals to improve much. You kind of addressed that in a different manner.

I thought craviduce was on your "Ad Foe" list. Unless if that was lie #3489. I guess when he posts something you don't like he'll be back on said "Ad Foe" list.

And that was some really deep stuff about Gorman and Walker, bro. Keep it coming.

[NYCardsFan]

I see a different two factors. Fedde and Mikolas (and even Pallante). We're a bit unsettled right now, so we'll see how things come together, but how much of a stretch is it to gain 10-15 games through those rotation spots?

At least 10.

Mikolas and Fedde were both replacement level pitchers last year (0.3 and 0.0 fWAR, respectively). Please tell us what two starting pitchers the Cardinals realistically can add who will contribute “at least 10” fWAR in 2026. Be specific.

I'd like an increase of 1 WAR from 6 position players and 4 WAR from pitching. Say 2 WAR from May, 1 WAR from Fitts and 1 WAR from Liberatore.

Unfortunately, those hypothetical increases in pitching fWAR would just barely offset what they lost with Gray.

if the Pirates and Reds were the normal Pirates and Reds heading into 2026, we would have a chance, probably a decent one, to approach those WAR numbers, but those two teams are on the way up...especially with their pitching. I don't see us out-dueling either very often. And both have expressed interest in improving their offense this offseason...we haven't....which is the real crux we aren't addressing with this OP...AGAIN.

Good assessment of the starting pitching situation, But the OP holds true. If the Cardinals insist on playing Gorman and Walker. They simply have to be more productive in order for the Cardinals to improve much.

[DFW Cards Fan]

The Cardinals don't need to be better. They need to be worse. Much worse. Ideally they're one of the worst teams in the league but they get answers on some of the not-so-young-anymore guys like Gorman and Walker and in September some of the prospects start coming up and play well. Since we're eligible for the lottery again now after that #13 garbage we just got, we can get a top 5 pick to add to the upcoming crop. Maybe even trade May at the deadline for more if he is doing well. No point in not getting a good 2027 pick to be mediocre in 2026 with a lockout looming.

[craviduce]

With the likely departure of Donovan and Contreras, the 6-7 WAR those two represent shouldn't be solely on Walker and Gorman...there's a slim chance they can cover it, but...no, there's not. The entire team will have to be better to cover those two losses, THEN we'll need another 5 or 6 WAR to get your "10 win better scenario". You're looking at an 11-13 WAR needed gain to compensate the loss of those two, and cover their share of your "10 win better season"....you can't expect the pitching to cover all 10 wins...not when you lost Gray.

We one of the worst offensive productive teams in the majors last year...it's not currently in the Cards. Not in an expected stronger division

The numbers don't add up.

[JuanAgosto]

Big turnarounds by Walker and Gorman would help tremendously. But im not sold Gorman is the 3b in 2026. According to oli, Walker will be in StL to start the season.

Something else that would help is adding one legitimate starting pitcher. Roll into 2026 with Liberatore, May, addition, McGreevy, and Fitts/Leahy.

[zuck698]

With the likely departure of Donovan and Contreras, the 6-7 WAR those two represent shouldn't be solely on Walker and Gorman...there's a slim chance they can cover it, but...no, there's not. The entire team will have to be better to cover those two losses, THEN we'll need another 5 or 6 WAR to get your "10 win better scenario". You're looking at an 11-13 WAR needed gain to compensate the loss of those two, and cover their share of your "10 win better season"....you can't expect the pitching to cover all 10 wins...not when you lost Gray.

We one of the worst offensive productive teams in the majors last year...it's not currently in the Cards. Not in an expected stronger division

The numbers don't add up.

I am not sure you are taking into consideration Cravs, the Burly effect. He is going into his age 27 season, and remember he is a young Joey Votto. Votto had a 5.8 WAR in his age 27 season, so I would expect that the Utility Slugger will at least be able to achieve that or maybe even more.

[Adam2]

Water is wet, but doesn’t get its own thread.

Shady is soaked has thousands of thread, unfortunately

I suppose the real question is - What is Shady soaked in? I'll let you all figure that out, not sure I want to know

Soak this. You are an "Add foe". Good riddance.

You're running out of company to talk with. Im sure he's devastated just as I was

[Bushiro]

Water is wet, but doesn’t get its own thread.

Shady is soaked has thousands of thread, unfortunately

I suppose the real question is - What is Shady soaked in? I'll let you all figure that out, not sure I want to know

I still can't believe he's not a 13 or 14 year old kid posting on here...

[Bushiro]

With the likely departure of Donovan and Contreras, the 6-7 WAR those two represent shouldn't be solely on Walker and Gorman...there's a slim chance they can cover it, but...no, there's not. The entire team will have to be better to cover those two losses, THEN we'll need another 5 or 6 WAR to get your "10 win better scenario". You're looking at an 11-13 WAR needed gain to compensate the loss of those two, and cover their share of your "10 win better season"....you can't expect the pitching to cover all 10 wins...not when you lost Gray.

We one of the worst offensive productive teams in the majors last year...it's not currently in the Cards. Not in an expected stronger division

The numbers don't add up.

Absolutely spot on...look at it which ever way you want...the numbers simply do not add up... to that many more wins this upcoming season...

[dugoutrex]

With the likely departure of Donovan and Contreras, the 6-7 WAR those two represent shouldn't be solely on Walker and Gorman...there's a slim chance they can cover it, but...no, there's not. The entire team will have to be better to cover those two losses, THEN we'll need another 5 or 6 WAR to get your "10 win better scenario". You're looking at an 11-13 WAR needed gain to compensate the loss of those two, and cover their share of your "10 win better season"....you can't expect the pitching to cover all 10 wins...not when you lost Gray.

We one of the worst offensive productive teams in the majors last year...it's not currently in the Cards. Not in an expected stronger division

The numbers don't add up.

they add up to about 68 wins