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Strengthening their 2026 pitching lineup, the Cardinals might consider acquiring these two experienced starters.

Struggling with their pitching lineup, the Cardinals could find relief in the additions of veteran pitchers Walker Buehler and Justin Verlander for the 2026 season.

Cardinal Team Eyeing Two Established Pitchers for Strengthening Their 2026 Rotation
Cardinal Team Eyeing Two Established Pitchers for Strengthening Their 2026 Rotation

Strengthening their 2026 pitching lineup, the Cardinals might consider acquiring these two experienced starters.

The St. Louis Cardinals have officially entered a rebuild phase, with the immediate future looking bleak as they strive to get back to where they once were. With a shortage of pitching within their system, the team may not be back in contention for a few years.

As the 2025 season draws to a close, there are no specific publicly available updates about when the Cardinals are expected to sign two pitchers for their rotation via trade or free agency. However, the team may follow a strategy similar to the one they used after the 2023 season, which involved signing less glamorous but effective pitchers like Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson.

Chaim Bloom, who is set to take over as the head of the Cardinals in just over three weeks, replacing John Mozeliak, may consider acquiring lower-cost free agent pitchers to fill out their rotation. The Cardinals can also sign free agent pitchers, but are not expected to make massive moves in free agency due to budget constraints.

In addition to free agency, the Cardinals can potentially target two specific free agent starters for their rotation, although their identities are not specified. The team can also acquire upper-level minor league arms through trades.

One notable player who may be traded this offseason is Sonny Gray. The team's rebuild is aimed at building a strong foundation for the future, and trading Gray could help bring in young, promising talent to bolster the team's pitching depth.

Despite the challenges ahead, the Cardinals remain optimistic about their future. The rebuild is a necessary step towards getting back to the top of the National League Central division, and the team is committed to making the right moves to ensure their long-term success.

In conclusion, the St. Louis Cardinals have entered a rebuild phase, with a focus on acquiring cost-effective pitching options both through free agency and trades. While the team is not expected to contend in the next season, they are aiming for a bright future and a return to their former glory.

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