Cardinals' Secret Weapon: Fitts' Electric Arm

Richard Fitts has emerged as a strong candidate for the St. Louis Cardinals' starting rotation. The Cardinals acquired Fitts and Hunter Dobbins in offseason trades, recognizing their immediate major league readiness. Fitts brings impressive velocity, consistently throwing 97 mph, and an elite Stuff+ rating of 130, according to analysis from The Athletic. This rating places him among the league's best, outperforming top pitchers from the 2025 season. His 2025 performance with the Boston Red Sox included 11 appearances, with 10 starts, where he demonstrated an ability to limit runs. Fitts' electrifying stuff offers the Cardinals a potentially quick solution to their rotation turnover. He is expected to significantly bolster the team's pitching depth and performance.