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As we get down to the end of the off season, there are a number of F/A veteran starting pitchers still available. Only Giolito and Gallen are likely to cost more than 15mil a year, with Gallen costing a 3rd round pick as well. Every other pitcher should be available for 15mil per year, or less, so should be affordable for the Cardinals. I'm not saying Bloom is even interested in a veteran starter, but, if he is, there are many choices, and they might be fairly affordable this late in the game.

Of course, the best case scenario is signing whichever arm will perform best up until the trade deadline, and then trading them for prospects. So, there is a method to the madness, besides having a reliable innings eater and veteran presence. Hopefully, Bloom can get an arm like Bassitt or Littell, my two first choices. I wouldn't be against a Scherzer or Verlander signing either, although their ability to keep performing at their age is always a risk. I suppose there is about a week and a half before actual ST starts, so some of the names will probably be signed, but, if not, I can see Bloom taking a flyer on the best name left on a short deal.

One of the few offseason questions remaining. If they do (and I think they should) I hope they do it before spring training begins. Phil Maton is one of the few pitchers I have seen join ST in progress and go on to have a good season.

I actually like Quintana, as well, especially at the 5mil range he's predicted to command. Seems like a bargain at that price to me!

As many question marks as there are with the everyday lineup, the starting pitching is even more difficult to get a handle on!
May - how many innings will

DewittDaman11 wrote: ↑09 Feb 2026 11:33 am I actually like Quintana, as well, especially at the 5mil range he's predicted to command. Seems like a bargain at that price to me!

Ditto


Re: Veteran Presence to Stablize Cards
Post by rockondlouie » 24 Dec 2025 08:42 am

Mo should've never let "Q" get away, I'd love to see them reunite w/him!

Hoosier59 wrote: ↑09 Feb 2026 11:36 am As many question marks as there are with the everyday lineup, the starting pitching is even more difficult to get a handle on!
May - how many innings will

I got kicked out and didn’t get to finish my post.
My thoughts were, with DeWitt only willing to spend so little this off season, why in the world would he agree to spend the most of it , so far, on a pitcher who has a history of hardly ever being available to pitch?
The two pitchers, acquired via trades, who are the closest to being ready to be in the rotation, also come with health issues!
The odds that the Cardinals’ rotation will be even league average is highly questionable! The odds of it being league worst? I’ll let you decide for yourself!
Could the Cardinals use one or even two reliable veteran starters for 2026, absolutely! Will DeWitt release enough funds to do it, I don’t think so!

Q is the A

I would think part of Blooms starting pitcher thinking process has to be which pitcher will garner the most interest at the trade deadline. I think any of Bassitt, Littell or Quintana would get plenty of takers if they are pitching to an ERA under 4.00. So, which of them are most likely to do that, and at what price will be the deciding factors. I believe all three of them will meet the criteria, personally.

DewittDaman11 wrote: ↑09 Feb 2026 12:53 pm I would think part of Blooms starting pitcher thinking process has to be which pitcher will garner the most interest at the trade deadline. I think any of Bassitt, Littell or Quintana would get plenty of takers if they are pitching to an ERA under 4.00. So, which of them are most likely to do that, and at what price will be the deciding factors. I believe all three of them will meet the criteria, personally.

Quintana will be half the cost of the other two.

It’s always smart for rebuilding teams to sign one and two year deals. try to catch lighting in a bottle, and move them at the deadline. Walker Beuhler would be a good candidate for that.

JohnnyMO wrote: ↑09 Feb 2026 13:27 pm It’s always smart for rebuilding teams to sign one and two year deals. try to catch lighting in a bottle, and move them at the deadline. Walker Beuhler would be a good candidate for that.

Buehler seems to be more name than game at this point. I think he's cooked.

I don’t see Bloom signing a veteran pitcher. The Cardinals are going full rebuild. A veteran pitcher doesn’t figure into that scenario. They got rid of every veteran (pitcher/position).