3 Starters Cardinals Can Target This Offseason Before Potential Lockout

The Cardinals suddenly find themselves short on starting pitching.

Aug 28, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chaim Bloom, Chief Baseball Officer of the Boston Red Sox on the field before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals suddenly find themselves a little short on starting pitching after losing both Hunter Dobbins and Andre Pallante to the injured list. While Pallante should be back soon and Dobbins should be good to go for 2027, the offseason represents a good time for Chaim Bloom to look into adding a starting pitcher or two.

Granted, it likely won't be anything sexy, but he'll likely make sure to fill at least one spot from outside the organization.

With that in mind, here are three starting pitchers Bloom could potentially take a look at this offseason if that's what the Cardinals decide to do.

Dustin May

Aug 19, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dustin May (21) pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cardinals signed Dustin May last offseason with the idea of trading him at the deadline. But unless his mutual option is exercised, he will be a free agent again, and he often talked about enjoying his time in St. Louis.

Who's to say a reunion isn't in the cards? May isn't a dominant pitcher by any means, but is a solid mid-rotation guy who can eat innings if he can stay healthy. He even threw a complete-game shutout back in June.

Shane Bieber

Aug 14, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays start pitcher Shane Bieber (57) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Shane Bieber is another pitcher who has battled injuries over the past several years, but he does have a Cy Young award to his name. Since returning from the IL, he is 5-2 with a 4.53 ERA in 11 starts, but perhaps taking a chance on him with a one-year deal wouldn't hurt for St. Louis.

The Cardinals could then do with him what they did with Dustin May at the trade deadline if the 2027 season is saved and if he bounces back to his old form.

Sonny Gray

Aug 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This is probably the least likely possible addition for St. Louis. Gray is 16-3 with a 2.79 ERA with the Boston Red Sox this year, and the Cardinals traded him to Boston last winter to kick off their rebuild.

Gray might prefer to pitch for a contender. However, this is something that could be worth a shot for St. Louis. Gray gives them a top-of-the-rotation guy that can eat innings and record strikeouts at a high rate.

If he is open to the idea, it might be worth giving him a call and seeing what kind of contract he is looking for. The Cardinals don't have a true No. 1 starter, so this could be the first step they need to take to get back into contention.