The St. Louis Cardinals are at a pivotal moment as the MLB trade deadline nears in ten days, facing tough choices about their roster. After being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks and seeing the Cincinnati Reds overtake them in the division, the Cardinals’ position in the National League has become increasingly fragile, raising questions about their direction this season. The focus now centers on the possibility of moving pitcher Erick Fedde amid a broader evaluation of the team’s competitive prospects.
Pressure Mounts in a Competitive National League
Though St. Louis holds a slight lead above .500, the current strength of several Wild Card contenders has made a strong comeback increasingly unlikely. The Cardinals’ relatively cautious offseason gave them minimal roster updates compared to other MLB teams, which may have contributed to the current precarious standing. As rivals improve, the Cardinals face an uphill battle and the need to consider adjustments to maintain relevance in an aggressively shifting league landscape.
Erick Fedde’s Role Under Scrutiny
One of the focal points is Erick Fedde, whose season has been marked by inconsistency. Fedde’s 4.83 ERA across nearly 99 innings illustrates his struggles to provide the steady pitching support the Cardinals require. While Sonny Gray has offered more dependable outings, Fedde has yet to solidify his place as a reliable starter. This performance has sparked conversations within the Cardinals’ front office about his future value and role on the pitching staff.
Despite these challenges, Fedde could still be an appealing option for other clubs looking to reinforce their rotations. Although his trade value may be moderate, he represents potential as a dependable fifth starter, especially if a change of scenery ignites a turnaround in his performance. This kind of midseason shift has precedent in MLB and could prove beneficial both for Fedde and the Cardinals if a deal is reached.
Upcoming Decisions Could Shape the Cardinals’ Trajectory
The coming week is set to reveal the Cardinals’ strategic plans for the remainder of the season. Weighing the pros and cons of holding onto players like Fedde versus trading for fresh talent will be crucial decisions for the front office as they strive to stay competitive. These choices not only affect the immediate lineup and pitching depth but also carry longer-term implications for the franchise’s development amid a challenging National League environment.
“This is a crucial period for the team, and we need to carefully consider every option as the trade deadline approaches.” —John Mozeliak, Cardinals General Manager
“The potential for Erick Fedde to rebound in a new setting should not be underestimated.” —Mike Shildt, Former Cardinals Manager
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who are the parents of Erick Fedde?
A. The son of Scott and Carla Fedde…
Q. Is Erick Fedde good?
A. Fedde is in the 10th percentile for expected batting average against him. His average allowed exit velocity ranks in the 19th percentile. He is also in the 29th percentile for hard-hit percentage.
Additionally, his command, which was above average and effective last year, has significantly declined.