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Cardinals urged to avoid aging pitchers
3 Nov
Summary
- Fans use roster tool to suggest team changes.
- Article advises against signing veteran pitchers.
- Internal prospects favored over reclamation projects.
The 2026-2027 Major League Baseball offseason is here, with St. Louis Cardinals fans eager for roster improvements. A new interactive roster tool created by Andrew Wang of "Dealin' the Cards" podcast has revealed widespread fan sentiment for change.
Many fans are advocating for the acquisition of veteran starting pitchers, often those past their prime or recovering from injuries. However, this article argues against such moves, specifically cautioning against signing pitchers like Zac Gallen, Shane Bieber, and Max Scherzer for the 2027 season.
Zac Gallen experienced a significant decline in 2026, posting a 6.07 ERA and ranking in the bottom 1% of baseball in various advanced metrics. Shane Bieber, meanwhile, has struggled with health, not exceeding 20 starts since 2023, and his 2026 performance was lackluster with a 4.37 ERA and poor expected statistics.
Max Scherzer, at 42 years old, is considered more likely to retire than pitch in 2027, with his performance in 2026 marked by a 5.74 ERA and declining velocity. The author suggests that the Cardinals should instead prioritize giving opportunities to internal pitching prospects.
Developing young pitchers like Richard Fitts, Cooper Hjerpe, and others is recommended over pursuing 'reclamation projects' like Gallen, Bieber, or Scherzer. While this approach may not generate immediate fan excitement, it offers greater long-term upside compared to investing in aging or injured veterans.
