A Shocking Decision from the Cardinals

In a surprising twist, the St. Louis Cardinals have designated struggling pitcher Erick Fedde for assignment. This news, reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic, signals a major shift as the team recalls right-hander Andre Granillo from Triple-A Memphis to fill Fedde's spot on the roster.

From Rise to Decline: The Fedde Story

Just a year ago, Erick Fedde was riding high, being one of the hottest trade commodities after a stellar comeback season in the Korea Baseball Organization. Once a first-round pick and a top pitching prospect for the Nationals, his major league career was marred by injuries and inconsistency. However, after an impressive run in Korea, the Chicago White Sox snagged him with a two-year, $15 million deal, where he made a strong impact, boasting a 3.11 ERA in 21 starts.

Cardinals' Investment Turns Sour

Heading into the 2025 season, Fedde seemed like a steal at his $7.5 million salary, especially with a combined 3.30 ERA and a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio over 177 1/3 innings with St. Louis and Chicago. However, as the Cardinals pivot towards rebuilding and focusing on player development, Fedde's value took a nosedive.

Missed Opportunities and Shaky Performance

Fedde had moments of brilliance, such as a May 9 shutout against the Nationals, but inconsistency plagued his performance. Struggling to control his pitches, his season spiraled downward starting in late June, culminating in disastrous outings where he allowed seven runs in consecutive starts. In his last five appearances, he's given up 26 runs, raising doubts about his future.

What’s Next for Fedde?

With around $2.7 million left on his contract, it's unlikely any team will claim him if placed on waivers. The Cardinals have a five-day window to trade him, but reports suggest they haven't found any takers. If they opt to absorb the remaining salary, Fedde could become a low-risk signing for a desperate team—if not, he may find himself released and a free agent, available for any team willing to take a chance.

A Turning Point in the Cardinals' Season?

This bold move exemplifies the Cardinals' intention to reshape their roster. As they shift focus to nurturing young talent, the future of Erick Fedde remains uncertain—will he rise again, or has St. Louis closed the door on this once-promising arm?