The St. Louis Cardinals are adding a pitcher to strengthen their roster this offseason, acquiring reliever from the Cleveland Guardians, according to the team’s social media. In return, Cleveland will receive cash considerations, the Cardinals confirmed.
He posted a 5.27 ERA in 2025 across 15 appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays, has also pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Over his MLB career, he has played in 94 games, compiling a 4.72 ERA, and has experience both as a starter and reliever, including two starts with a 2-2 record.
The Cardinals ended the 2025 season 78-84, finishing fourth in the National League Central and missing the playoffs.
Cardinals active in offseason moves
St. Louis has been busy this offseason, trading several veterans while exploring free agents to boost their lineup. Starting pitcher Sonny Gray has departed for the Boston Red Sox, and the team may also consider moving Nolan Arenado. The organization is clearly in rebuild mode, and Justin Bruihl could play a key role in the bullpen in 2026.
“Over his five-year career, Bruihl has limited left-handed hitters to a .224 average (36-for-176) with two home runs and only seven extra-base hits over 176 batters faced,” according to MLB.com.
The Cardinals are prioritizing improvements in their bullpen but are also expected to look for outfield help. President of baseball operations Chaim Bloom has emphasized his openness to making any moves necessary to assemble a championship-caliber team.
“A lot of people will call it a lot of different things, and that’s OK with me,” Bloom said. “It’s really just about staying focused on the goal and trying to make move after move that pushes us toward it.”
Whether these offseason changes will help St. Louis return to the postseason in 2026 remains to be seen.