The Atlanta Braves have acquired right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade confirmed today, aiming to strengthen their pitching staff as injuries rise. The deal, reported initially by Robert Murray of FanSided, also includes the Cardinals sending roughly $2.7 million toward Fedde’s remaining $7.5 million salary for the 2025 season, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
In return, the Cardinals will receive cash considerations or a player to be named later from Atlanta, completing the agreement officially announced by the Braves.
Grant Holmes Shifted to 60-Day Injured List, Ending Season
To accommodate Fedde’s addition, the Braves placed right-hander Grant Holmes on the 60-day injured list. Holmes was initially moved to the 15-day IL earlier in the day due to right elbow inflammation, but the extended IL placement now officially concludes his season.
Holmes’ absence leaves the Braves even more vulnerable in their starting rotation, which has been affected by numerous injuries throughout the season.
High Number of Injuries Forces Braves to Seek Reinforcements
Atlanta’s current pitching difficulties have been exacerbated by several key players being sidelined. Besides Holmes, pitchers Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Spencer Schwellenbach, and AJ Smith-Shawver are all on injured lists, placing tremendous strain on the Braves’ rotation for the season’s final two months.
Despite falling well out of playoff contention, the Braves saw acquiring Fedde as a necessary move to bolster their depleted staff and cover innings that would otherwise remain uncovered.
Cardinals’ Decision to Trade Fedde After Designation
St. Louis designated Erick Fedde for assignment earlier this week before agreeing to trade him to Atlanta. This move allows the Cardinals to recoup some value rather than absorbing his salary without return, should he have cleared waivers.
However, considering Fedde’s trade potential last winter and earlier in the 2025 season, the modest return for the right-hander likely represents a disappointment for the Cardinals, who were initially seeking to rebuild with a younger roster.
Fedde’s Recent Performance and Contract History
Erick Fedde joined the Cardinals roughly a year ago in a three-team deal involving the White Sox and Dodgers, where he initially signed a two-year, $15 million contract with Chicago in December 2023. In 2024, Fedde produced a solid 3.30 ERA across 177 1/3 innings between Chicago and St. Louis.
For the current season with the Cardinals, however, he has struggled significantly, posting a 5.22 ERA over 101 2/3 innings. His recent form has dropped sharply, with a 13.25 ERA in his last five starts, partly due to increased walks and hard contact allowed.
These difficulties contributed to the Cards’ decision to move on, while Fedde now has the opportunity for a fresh start with the Braves.
Implications for Braves and Fedde Moving Forward
This trade reflects the Braves’ need to patch holes created by a wave of pitching injuries during a disappointing season. Adding Fedde provides at least one more healthy arm to rely on throughout the remainder of the schedule.
For Fedde, the move offers a chance to regain form and showcase his ability ahead of free agency this winter, potentially rescuing value despite a troubled current year.