Andre Pallante has become one of the more seasoned pitchers on the St. Louis Cardinals’ staff.
As the team prepares for the 2026 season, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the Cardinals’ starting rotation. Although the club added Dustin May, the departure of Sonny Gray leaves the question of who will emerge as the leader of the pitching staff.
Pallante experienced a difficult stretch late last season, finishing his final 13 starts of 2025 with a 1–10 record and a 6.64 ERA. However, the 27-year-old right-hander showed improvement during Sunday’s Grapefruit League game against the Miami Marlins, throwing four innings and giving up just one run.
Before that game, Pallante delivered a message to his fellow starters.
“We are all at a point now that we dictate our own future,” Pallante said.
Overall in 2025, Pallante went 6–15 with a 5.31 ERA across 31 starts. He logged 162⅔ innings, struck out 111 batters, and recorded a 1.445 WHIP. Despite those struggles, his 2024 campaign offered more promise, as he posted a 3.78 ERA in 29 appearances, including 20 starts, suggesting there is still potential for improvement.
Beyond his performance, Pallante appears to be embracing a leadership role within a younger pitching group. With Gray gone and May now the most experienced pitcher on the roster, there is room for arms like Pallante and Michael McGreevy to step forward in 2026.
If Pallante can rebound from last season’s struggles, the Cardinals’ rotation could look very different this year. Known as a strong ground-ball pitcher, he could benefit from the team’s excellent defense behind him.
Having been with the club since 2022, Pallante is now among the more experienced pitchers on the staff, making this an ideal time for him to step into a veteran presence. His message could help motivate the rest of the rotation as they aim to reach their potential this season.
For the Cardinals and their young pitchers, 2026 represents a season filled with opportunity. Pallante appears ready to seize his chance and could become an important mentor for younger teammates as they develop.
It remains to be seen how Pallante and the Cardinals’ pitching staff will perform as they head into a season full of new challenges and possibilities.
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