The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 78–84 record, marking their third consecutive season missing the postseason. With a young roster still developing, rotation pitching is the biggest weakness—where young pitchers sometimes excel, but haven’t shown the consistent reliability that made the Cardinals a regular championship contender.
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According to Yardbarker’s analysis, one of the most noteworthy free agent pitchers is Zach Eflin—a 31-year-old with 10 years of MLB experience, who once led the AL in wins and maintained a stable ERA, despite a difficult season in his most recent game. While 2025 may not be his best season, his playing history, experience, and composure make him a strategic choice for the Cardinals.
Specifically, Eflin had a 2023 season with 177 innings and an ERA of 3.50, helping the Tampa Bay Rays lead the division before moving to the Orioles. As a free agent pitching with a consistent track record, he fits the Cardinals’ ambition to “protect rotation”—especially as they lack a veteran to lead their young pitchers.
The Cardinals have proactively reduced their payroll and added several new faces to their roster. They brought in young pitcher Hunter Dobbins and field pitcher Richard Fitts, along with a free transfer for Dustin May—a former Dodgers and Red Sox star who is seen as a “recovery project” that could develop if he adapts well.
While Baseball Operations President Chaim Bloom doesn’t consider signing another starter “a must,” he emphasized that the team will always look for suitable additions if the right person is at the right time. This open-ended statement makes the rumors about the Cardinals targeting a pitcher with 10 years of experience seem entirely serious.
Immediately after the news broke, the Cardinals fanbase was split on social media and forums:
“If the team brings in a veteran starter, we can finally break through.”
“We don’t need more long-term payroll – we need someone who can help with rotation right from Opening Day.”
“But signing an aging player could break the budget and doesn’t fit the rebuild direction.”
Some other fans even recalled last season, when the team signed Phil Maton and other shooters, but it still wasn’t enough to push the Cardinals into a real playoff race. They worried that if they didn’t choose the right player, all their “investments” would backfire.
Although Zach Eflin has been mentioned most in recent speculation, free agency charts still show several other veteran shooters who could be on the Cardinals’ radar — including those who have consistently performed well for several seasons before. However, the final choice may depend on salary, contract duration, and the team’s long-term financial plan.
The Cardinals don’t just want a “high-speed” shooter — they need someone who can play 180+ innings, maintain a consistent tempo, and pass on experience to the younger shooters. With the current rotation being quite “new” and prone to injury, bringing in someone like that could be the biggest turning point this offseason.
If the Cardinals sign a veteran starter with 10 years of MLB experience — especially someone like Eflin — it would be a big gamble. It shows the team is willing to combine roster rejuvenation with solid experience, rather than relying solely on prospects and underdeveloped talent.
That could change the perception of the Cardinals for next season: from a potential rebuilding team — to a genuine contender. But if the deal falls through — or if they choose the wrong player — the Cardinals could find themselves repeating the situation of recent years, where their roster sits “near the playoffs but not a solid contender.”
This offseason roster restructuring by the Cardinals is the most notable turning point since Chaim Bloom took over. The team’s contact with a 10-year MLB starter isn’t just a free agency news item — it’s a clear sign that the Cardinals aren’t settling for mediocrity, but are aiming for a specific goal: a return to the playoff race and beyond.
If this deal goes through, Busch Stadium could witness the resurgence of a strong pitching force, supporting a promising offensive front and bringing the Cardinals back to where they belong: in the top of the NL, ready to compete for the championship.