Cardinals Option Richard Fitts, Analyze 2026 Rotation

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The St. Louis Cardinals have made some key roster moves to finalize their starting rotation for the 2026 season. The team has optioned right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts to the minors, opting instead to go with young arms like Andre McGreevy and Jordan Pallante. This decision highlights the Cardinals' focus on developing their own pitching talent, even if it means parting ways with a more experienced MLB pitcher like Fitts. The rotation will be led by Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, and Kyle Leahy, each bringing their own unique strengths and potential to the table.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' rotation decisions showcase the team's long-term strategy of developing their own pitching talent rather than relying heavily on outside acquisitions. This approach carries both risks and rewards, as young arms like McGreevy and Pallante have high upside but less proven track records at the MLB level.

The details

The Cardinals' rotation will feature Matthew Liberatore as the Opening Day starter, with Dustin May and Kyle Leahy rounding out the top three spots. Leahy, who had a 3.07 ERA in 88 innings of long relief last season, is being given a chance to transition to the starting rotation despite some concerns about his homer-prone tendencies this spring. Meanwhile, the team opted to option Richard Fitts, who was acquired in a trade with the Red Sox, to the minors in favor of McGreevy and Pallante, two young pitchers who struggled with strikeout rates last season but have shown promise.

• The Cardinals finalized their 2026 starting rotation in April 2026.
• Matthew Liberatore will make his first career Opening Day start in 2026.

What’s next

The Cardinals will be closely monitoring the performance of their young pitchers, McGreevy and Pallante, as they look to solidify their rotation and make a push for the playoffs in 2026.