Teams across Major League Baseball are reshaping their rosters as free agency begins, and the St. Louis Cardinals are among the clubs making notable adjustments. After moving on from three pitchers Friday, the organization appears to be recalibrating its pitching depth in a substantial way.
Reports indicate that the Cardinals front office opted against tendering contracts to pitchers Jorge Alcala, John King, and Sem Robberse. The club also confirmed it made the same decision regarding catcher Yohel Pozo. All four players are now set to enter free agency. The team announced the moves in a statement that read, “We have decided not to tender 2026 contracts to RHP Jorge Alcala, LHP John King, C Yohel Pozo, and RHP Sem Robberse. Our list of 40 players is currently down to 37.”
Alcala and King both held bullpen roles for St. Louis last season, which suggests the club will be searching for replacements or upgrades in relief. Robberse spent the entire season in the minors, so the Cardinals may look internally to fill his spot, especially if they believe another developing arm in the system is ready to step up.
Alcala’s year was a turbulent one, as he pitched for three teams, including St. Louis. He wrapped up the 2025 campaign with a 6.22 ERA, a 1.745 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts across 55.0 innings. King, meanwhile, completed his third year with the Cardinals. His 2025 season closed with a 4.66 ERA, a 1.634 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts over 48.1 innings, numbers that likely contributed to the front office’s decision not to renew his deal.
With their 40 man roster now reduced to 37 players, St. Louis has flexibility to pursue multiple free agents. This added space could allow the club to bring in pitching help or address other areas that require attention as they work to reshape the roster for 2026.
The Cardinals ended the 2025 season at 78 84 and fell short of a postseason berth, a result that may drive the push for organizational changes. Whether the front office looks toward established relievers, starting rotation depth, or catching support, the moves made this week signal that St. Louis is preparing for a significant offseason aimed at improving its overall performance.