Cardinals Lose 32-Year-Old Pitcher to Dodgers After Indy Ball Stint

Keynan Middleton signs minor league deal with World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals have had an eventful offseason, trading away several key players. One former Cardinal, 32-year-old pitcher Keynan Middleton, has now signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers after spending time in independent baseball last year.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have been very active in the trade market this offseason, moving several established players. Middleton's journey from the Cardinals to independent ball and now to the Dodgers organization highlights the challenges some players face in trying to extend their MLB careers.

The details

Middleton spent the first four years of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels before stints with the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. He made five appearances for the Cardinals' Double-A affiliate in 2023 before suffering injuries that ended his season. Last year, Middleton played for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League before signing his minor league deal with the Dodgers.

  • Middleton was with the Cardinals in 2024.
  • In 2023, Middleton split time between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees.
  • Middleton pitched 3 2/3 innings for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League in 2022.

The players

Keynan Middleton

A 32-year-old pitcher who has spent time with five different big-league clubs across his seven-year career, including the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The World Series champion baseball team that has signed Middleton to a minor league deal.

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The takeaway

Middleton's journey from the Cardinals to independent ball and now to the Dodgers organization highlights the challenges some players face in trying to extend their MLB careers, even after having some big-league experience. This story underscores the competitive nature of professional baseball and the perseverance required to keep pursuing one's dreams.