The St. Louis Cardinals are heading into the final stretch of the 2026 season with plenty to evaluate after a difficult week that exposed some of the team’s depth concerns. On the latest episode of the Viva El Birdos Podcast, the discussion centered on injuries to the starting rotation, workload management, possible veteran additions, the bullpen’s ongoing struggles and the possibility of signing shortstop Masyn Winn to a long-term contract.
One of the biggest concerns is the health of the pitching staff. Andre Pallante landed on the injured list with an issue that appears relatively minor and could cost him only one start because of upcoming off days. Hunter Dobbins, however, suffered a forearm strain that is expected to end his season. The injuries arrive at an especially inconvenient point for a Cardinals team that has remained competitive despite entering the season with modest expectations.
The Cardinals are also carefully managing Kyle Leahy’s workload. After throwing 88 innings last season, Leahy has already reached roughly 121 innings this year, prompting the organization to reduce his usage. Although limiting him can be frustrating for fans who want to see him continue building momentum, the move is designed to protect his arm and preserve his availability for future seasons.
With several rotation arms unavailable or being monitored, St. Louis could be forced to rely on additional depth. Quinn Mathews has received another opportunity, but his inability to consistently work deep into games has remained an issue. His command has caused problems, particularly when he falls behind hitters, making his development one of the storylines to watch during the final weeks of the season.
The Cardinals could also explore the free-agent or waiver market for an experienced pitcher capable of providing five or six innings. Names discussed include Michael Lorenzen, Zach Littell and former Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas. Of those possibilities, Littell appears particularly intriguing because he could provide immediate innings while potentially offering enough value to remain useful beyond the current season.
A return for Mikolas, meanwhile, would generate plenty of debate. While his familiarity with St. Louis makes the idea appealing to some fans, the podcast discussion questioned whether bringing back an aging veteran would fit the organization’s broader rebuilding direction. The Cardinals could instead use those innings to evaluate younger pitchers and determine which arms belong in the organization’s long-term plans.
Despite the recent frustration, the Cardinals’ season has already exceeded some preseason expectations. The team entered the year with projections that suggested it could lose around 90 games, yet it reached the final portion of August sitting at .500. That unexpected competitiveness has made the recent setbacks more painful because fans were given legitimate hope of seeing the club remain in the postseason conversation.
The remaining schedule could provide St. Louis with an opportunity to stabilize its record. The Cardinals have several matchups against teams with losing records, although the schedule also includes difficult series against the Dodgers and Brewers. Their ability to take advantage of the more favorable games could determine whether they remain relevant during the final weeks of the campaign.
Another major topic was Masyn Winn’s potential long-term future in St. Louis. Winn has established himself as one of the organization’s most important defensive players, and his elite work at shortstop has become a major component of the Cardinals’ identity. The argument for an extension is based largely on the possibility of securing him before his value increases further.
One proposal discussed a six-year, $100 million extension, while another estimate suggested an eight-year deal worth approximately $88 million to $92 million. The exact figure would ultimately depend on how much value Winn and his representatives believe his future offensive development will add to his already exceptional defense.
Winn’s offensive production remains the biggest question surrounding such a deal. While his bat has not consistently matched his defensive impact, there is optimism that he can improve as he enters his physical prime. The podcast also noted that his offensive numbers may look more acceptable if he eventually settles into a lower lineup spot rather than being asked to produce like a middle-of-the-order hitter.
The Cardinals’ front office also appears to be approaching long-term contracts carefully because of uncertainty surrounding upcoming collective bargaining negotiations. President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom has indicated that the organization wants to maintain flexibility until the future roster-building rules become clearer.
The bullpen remains another source of frustration. St. Louis has repeatedly found itself playing close games while operating with limited relief options. Although the bullpen was constructed with a rebuilding philosophy in mind, the team’s unexpectedly competitive season has exposed some of the limitations of that approach.
Riley O’Brien was also discussed in the context of the trade deadline and the organization’s decision to retain him. Although his recent struggles have frustrated fans, the podcast pointed out that relievers are inherently volatile and that O’Brien has still been among the National League’s better save producers. His recent dominant performances also demonstrate why evaluating him solely on one poor outing would be unfair.
Peter Strzelecki was identified as another interesting bullpen piece. His unusual movement profile and different arm angle give him qualities that could make him valuable as the Cardinals continue searching for dependable relief options. The organization could decide that he deserves another opportunity next season as it evaluates which lower-profile pitchers fit into its future plans.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ recent struggles appear less like a complete collapse and more like the result of several small mistakes, missed opportunities and injuries piling up at the same time. They were competitive in several games against Philadelphia and other opponents, but crucial pitches and individual moments repeatedly went against them.
With roughly six weeks remaining, there is still reason for optimism. The Cardinals remain capable of competing with a favorable portion of their schedule ahead, provided their rotation avoids additional injuries and the offense and bullpen can deliver more consistently. The organization may not be ready to make a full postseason push, but the unexpected progress of 2026 has given the front office a much clearer picture of which players could form the foundation of the next competitive Cardinals team.
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