The St. Louis Cardinals have recently gained momentum with series wins over the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and their National League Central rivals, the Chicago Cubs. Although their chances of reaching the postseason remain slim, the team is aiming to strengthen its roster this offseason by pursuing key relief pitching options. One such target is two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams, whose potential acquisition aligns with the Cardinals’ search for a Ryan Helsley Cardinals replacement.
Leadership Changes to Influence Roster Decisions Moving Forward
This offseason marks a significant shift within the Cardinals‘ front office, as John Mozeliak steps down from his position and Chaim Bloom takes over as the new President of Baseball Operations. With Bloom at the helm, the Cardinals are poised to enter a rebuilding phase but are still expected to make strategic moves to enhance the Major League roster, particularly for the 2026 season.
Three Potential Relief Pitchers Spotlighted for Offseason Acquisition
Cliff Williams of Redbird Rants recently identified three relief pitchers that the Cardinals could pursue during the offseason. Among these candidates is Devin Williams, currently with the New York Yankees. Williams, a native of St. Louis, brings a strong track record as a two-time National League Reliever of the Year and could represent a valuable, cost-effective option for the Cardinals to reinforce their bullpen.
Local Talent Devin Williams Offers a Buy-Low Opportunity
Williams, who grew up in St. Louis and attended Hazelwood West High School, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and spent the first six seasons of his career there. He earned the National League Rookie of the Year honor in 2020 and quickly made a name for himself as one of MLB’s elite relief pitchers. During his tenure in Milwaukee, Williams initially served as a setup man for Josh Hader before assuming the closer role after Hader’s departure to the San Diego Padres.
After a down season with the Yankees, where he struggled with a high ERA and was even temporarily demoted from the closer role, Williams’s value may have dipped a bit. This could present a very real ‘buy-low’ opportunity for the Cardinals to gain an elite talent at a more manageable price than his past performance would have commanded,
Cliff Williams wrote.
Williams posted a 5.60 ERA over 49 appearances for the Yankees this past summer, which has likely reduced his market value. This decline could allow the Cardinals to acquire Williams on a more affordable one-year contract. Should the rebuilding team fall out of contention by the 2026 trade deadline, Williams could potentially be traded to a contender, making this a flexible option for St. Louis.
Potential Impact of Bringing Williams Back to His Hometown
A return to St. Louis could provide a positive environment for Williams, giving him a chance to revive his career where it all began. For the Cardinals, adding a veteran closer with Williams’s pedigree could significantly bolster their bullpen, aiding their push towards reestablishing competitive balance in the National League Central division.
As the team navigates a transitional period with new leadership and a focus on rebuilding, strategic acquisitions like Williams represent an important step toward shaping the roster for 2026 and beyond.