Cardinals Tap Top Prospects to Bolster Rebuilding Rotation

Pitchers Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins could debut in St. Louis this spring as the team looks to rebuild with young talent

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals have undergone an aggressive rebuilding effort this offseason, trading away veteran players like Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan. As a result, the team is now stocked with top prospects, including pitchers Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins, who could be fast-tracked to the major league roster this spring to help shore up the starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' rebuilding strategy has left them with a lack of proven talent in their starting rotation, opening the door for young prospects like Fitts and Dobbins to potentially earn spots on the opening day roster. Their big-league experience could give them an edge as the team looks to remain competitive during its transition.

The details

Fitts and Dobbins, both 26-year-old right-handers, were acquired by the Cardinals in trades with the Boston Red Sox this offseason. While they may not have the same high-ceiling potential as some of the team's other top pitching prospects, their previous MLB experience could make them attractive options to fill out the rotation as the Cardinals rebuild.

  • The Cardinals traded Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox to kick off their offseason rebuilding efforts.
  • The team also dealt Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners as part of their roster overhaul.

The players

Richard Fitts

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher acquired by the Cardinals in a trade with the Boston Red Sox this offseason.

Hunter Dobbins

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher also acquired by the Cardinals in a trade with the Boston Red Sox this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“There are other options, of course, including Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins, two 26-year-olds Bloom acquired from Boston in trades for Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras. And that's the point.”

— Will Leitch, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

“The Cardinals have been bedeviled the past few seasons by having so little system depth that players like Jose Barrero, Garrett Hampson, Ryan Valade, Anthony Veneziano and Jorge Alcala have had to fill in. That is no longer an issue. There are young guys rushing the gate. They'll be here before you know it.”

— Will Leitch, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

It will be interesting to see how Fitts and Dobbins adjust to pitching for the rebuilding Cardinals this spring, and whether they can earn spots on the opening day roster.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' aggressive offseason rebuilding efforts have left them with a lack of proven talent in their starting rotation, opening the door for young prospects like Fitts and Dobbins to potentially make an immediate impact as the team looks to remain competitive during its transition.