The St. Louis Cardinals are continuing their offseason efforts to reshape a bullpen that showed inconsistency throughout the 2025 campaign. With the team aiming to compete at a higher level in 2026, front office officials have been actively exploring ways to improve late-inning pitching depth and acquire arms that can make an immediate impact. The Cardinals’ latest move reflects this strategy, as they look to blend experience, potential upside, and versatility to stabilize their relief corps.
St. Louis and the Washington Nationals completed a reliever swap, with the Cardinals acquiring right-hander in exchange for right-hander. A 26-year-old pitcher set to turn 27 on March 24, has bounced around the majors this offseason, marking his fourth team in just a few months. Previously, he had been designated for assignment by the Orioles, Braves, and most recently the Nationals on Feb. 5. Despite a challenging 2025 campaign, Soriano brings a combination of major league experience and a diverse pitch arsenal that could help the Cardinals in high-leverage situations.
Last season, Soriano appeared in 24 games with the Marlins, posting an 8.35 ERA over 36 2/3 innings. He recorded 36 strikeouts while walking 19 batters and allowed 10 home runs. Over parts of three major league seasons, he has a 5.95 ERA across 118 innings pitched and has appeared in 72 games, including one start. Known for his four-pitch mix, Soriano features an 86 mph slider and 88 mph changeup—each thrown at least 30% of the time—along with a mid-90s sinker and four-seam fastball. He is also the cousin of seven-time MLB All-Star Alfonso Soriano, adding a bit of pedigree to his resume.
Heading to Washington, Granillo, 25, made 14 appearances for St. Louis during his 2025 debut season, posting a 4.71 ERA across 21 innings. A 14th-round pick in the 2021 Draft, Granillo showed flashes of promise in his rookie campaign but now provides the Nationals with a young arm who could contribute in a bullpen role or potentially as a long reliever.
The trade underscores the Cardinals’ willingness to make calculated moves in an effort to balance youth and experience in their bullpen. With the 2026 season approaching, adding Soriano gives St. Louis another option in high-leverage situations, while Granillo gets a fresh opportunity in Washington. For both teams, the deal represents a strategic shuffle aimed at maximizing pitching depth and providing flexibility for the months ahead.