Cardinals eye veteran starter May Bieber Giolito
Cardinals veteran starter is being pursued as St. Louis looks to improve rotation after claiming Eduardo Rivera and declining Ryne Stanek’s 2027 option.
The offseason has seen only modest activity in Major League Baseball, and the St. Louis Cardinals have been quiet aside from claiming right-hander Eduardo Rivera after Boston designated him for assignment. The club also declined to pick up Ryne Stanek’s option for the 2027 season, signaling a need for further moves.
A league source told The Athletic that St. Louis could add a veteran starter to a rotation that is still gaining experience, with several top prospects nearing the majors. “St. Louis, according to a league source, also could add a veteran starting pitcher to a relatively inexperienced rotation that might get even younger, with several top pitching prospects on the cusp of jumping to the majors,” the report said, adding that Dustin May “well-received in the clubhouse last season, filled that role admirably.”
Analysts highlighted three names the Cardinals might consider: Dustin May, Shane Bieber and Lucas Giolito. Each offers a different blend of familiarity, upside and cost.
May would represent a return to a known quantity. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted the club holds a “favorable view” of him but is unlikely to propose a multi-year contract this winter, suggesting a short-term deal could be on the table.
For fans, a brief return of May could stabilize the rotation while younger arms develop, providing a reliable arm without the uncertainty of a long-term commitment. It also preserves flexibility for the club to adjust as prospects emerge.
Shane Bieber, now 31, brings a Cy Young Award and a reputation for dominance when healthy. Injuries limited him to 11 starts in 2026 and 20 starts across the previous three seasons. The Cardinals’ track record of keeping starters on the mound might help Bieber rebuild value.
Lucas Giolito, 32, posted a 3.41 ERA over 26 starts for Boston in 2025 but saw only seven appearances in 2026 after signing late with San Diego. Pursuing him would be a gamble on a potential rebound.
In 2025, Giolito had a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts, and in 2026, Bieber made 11 starts due to injuries, with a total of 20 starts over the last three seasons. The Cardinals are looking to add to their rotation, with May, Bieber, and Giolito as potential options to consider.
