The St. Louis Cardinals have placed right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde on the trade market, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic, as they consider options to strengthen their pitching rotation. Despite uncertainty over whether the team will buy or sell at the approaching deadline, the Cardinals are actively exploring trades involving Fedde to potentially open space for Michael McGreevy’s major league role.
Michael McGreevy’s Path to a More Permanent Rotation Spot
Recently, the Cardinals expressed confidence that rookie pitcher Michael McGreevy is prepared to step into a more consistent spot in their starting rotation. Currently, McGreevy remains blocked by a durable core of pitchers who have maintained good health throughout the season. These include Erick Fedde, Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, Andre Pallante, and Matthew Liberatore, each having thrown at least 18 starts in 2025. McGreevy and Steven Matz have only contributed in spot starts so far, though McGreevy was recalled recently to start a single game, allowing Liberatore additional rest.
Statistical Performance Behind McGreevy’s Promotion Prospects
McGreevy’s performance in Triple-A supports the club’s belief in his readiness. Over 15 starts, he has posted a 3.72 earned run average, a 25.5% strikeout rate, and a walk rate of 4.9%, while generating a ground ball rate of 53.8%. These numbers indicate his potential value to the rotation, especially as the Cardinals evaluate moves to balance veteran experience and emerging talent ahead of the postseason push.
Balancing Between Buying and Selling to Keep a Playoff Chance Alive
The Cardinals currently hover near the fringe of playoff contention, sitting just 3.5 games behind a postseason spot. After an unsuccessful bid to overhaul their roster during the offseason, largely due to veteran players‘ no-trade clauses, the team has maintained much of its core personnel. Although a recent sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks hurt their standing, the Cards remain motivated to make strategic moves that could enhance their stretch run. Integrating McGreevy more permanently may require trading a starter, ideally one who is expendable and unlikely to be part of the long-term rotation.
Why Erick Fedde Is the Most Probable Trade Candidate
Among the starters, Erick Fedde stands out as the most logical trade candidate. Unlike Gray and Mikolas, who hold full no-trade protections and have expressed a strong preference to remain with the club, Fedde is 32 years old and will become a free agent after the season. Meanwhile, younger arms like Andre Pallante and Matthew Liberatore figure prominently in the Cardinals’ future plans and are highly valued for their controllability. Fedde’s age and contract situation make him the likely candidate to clear space in the rotation.
Fedde’s Decline in Performance Dampens Trade Appeal
Fedde’s performance this season, however, has significantly reduced his trade market value. After a strong 2024 campaign split between the White Sox and Cardinals — where he recorded a 3.30 ERA across more than 177 innings — this year has been a struggle. In nearly 99 innings played, Fedde’s ERA has ballooned to 4.83, with a strikeout rate dropping to 13.5% and a walk rate rising to 10.7%. His decreased effectiveness makes him less appealing to contenders seeking reliable starting pitching.
Potential Trade Scenarios Amid Salary Concerns and Team Needs
Fedde’s $7.5 million salary for the current season leaves the Cardinals with under $3 million in remaining financial obligations. If he were performing closer to his 2024 level, the contract might be a bargain, but his recent struggles complicate trade prospects. Still, the Cardinals could opt to absorb part of Fedde’s remaining salary to facilitate a deal that nets more youthful talent. Such a move would allow Michael McGreevy to receive more consistent starts, boosting the club’s chances in the final stretch and beyond.
Implications for the Cardinals’ Rotation and Upcoming Stretch Run
Should the Cardinals successfully trade Erick Fedde, it would mark a clear shift toward prioritizing young pitching and maintaining a competitive roster. McGreevy’s readiness to contribute at the major league level provides the club with a promising internal option, but only if roster space can be cleared. The final weeks before the trade deadline will be crucial as the team balances its desire to remain competitive with the need to develop emerging pitchers and manage payroll flexibility.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who are the parents of Erick Fedde?
A. The child of Scott and Carla Fedde…
Q. Is Erick Fedde good?
A. Fedde is in the bottom 10% for expected batting average (xBA). His average exit velocity allowed is in the bottom 19%. Additionally, 29% of hits against him are hard-hit.
Moreover, his once very strong control, which greatly contributed to his high performance last year, has significantly worsened.