2026 St. Louis Cardinals’ Rotation Analysis

On Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals announced the five pitchers who would make up their pitching rotation to begin the 2026 season: Matthew Liberatore, Michael McGreevy, Dustin May, Andre Pallante, and Kyle Leahy. With the exception of Liberatore, who was named the Opening Day starter on Wednesday, the order of the rotation is unknown at this time. However, let’s take a closer look at the rotation trusted to toe the rubber.

Cardinals’ Pitching Rotation Analysis

It is the first time in a while that the Cardinals’ rotation does not have a clear ace. Liberatore is the closest, but he cannot be labeled as one at the moment. There is a mix of different pitchers in this rotation. Pitchers are trying to establish their futures. Pitchers looking to keep their place. There is certainly a lot to look at for each pitcher.

Matthew Liberatore

There is not much to say about Liberatore that has not already been said. He had his breakout season last year, pitching 151.2 innings and posting a 4.21 ERA. These are respectable numbers that make the 26-year-old a valuable part of the rotation if 2025 is his ceiling. The question is, is there more? With pitching prospects on the way, Liberatore needs to match last season’s results to keep his spot in the rotation. If he can build upon last season, then a new discussion begins.

Michael McGreevy

McGreevy had a strong first full season in MLB in 2025. He posted an 8-4 record and a 4.42 ERA over 95.2 innings pitched. Those numbers match what the California native has posted in his baseball career. He profiles as a decent third guy in a rotation, but has the upside of potentially being a top-two arm.

When McGreevy is locked in, he certainly looks like a top arm. In 2024, with the Cardinals in playoff contention, McGreevy posted a 1.96 ERA over 23 innings. There were even thoughts that he could have pitched more down the stretch instead of his spot-starting role the team gave him. Regardless, the Cardinals saw McGreevy at his best in 2024, albeit in a short sample size. In 2025, they saw durability and effectiveness. Which McGreevy is the real McGreevy? Or, is there another McGreevy who will debut in 2026?

Like Liberatore, another 2025 performance keeps McGreevy in the rotation.

Dustin May

May’s joining the Cardinals made sense for both sides. For May, he is looking to build off a healthy 2025 that saw him pitch over 100 innings for the first time in his career. For the Cardinals, they hope to achieve some rotation stability given the youth and question marks currently present.

May is an important part of the rotation for multiple reasons. He is the oldest among the starting pitchers and has experience on a championship-caliber Los Angeles Dodgers team. Furthermore, he is likely to be one of that manager Ollie Marmol calls on to eat innings. If May has a rough start, Marmol may ask him to “wear it” and grind out a few more innings. May is being considered to take on Miles Mikolas‘ role from last season.

Furthermore, should May have a strong season, there could be teams calling general manager Chaim Bloom at the trade deadline. Bloom could flip May for some assets as the organization continues their rebuild. May’s current contract includes a mutual option for 2027, which could increase the return in a trade.

Of course, for any of this to be possible, May needs to stay healthy. Injuries have plagued the 28-year-old’s career so far. 2025 was different, but can he stay on the mound in 2026?

Andre Pallante

The Cardinals have seen the good and bad from Pallante. In 2022, Pallante was an effective reliever, posting a 3.17 ERA, helping the Cardinals win the Central Division. In 2024, Pallante posted a 3.78 ERA in 29 games (20 starts). Unfortunately, the California native struggled last season, posting a 5.31 ERA.

The good news is Pallante has pitched well this spring. But to keep his spot in the rotation, Pallante has to be better this season. If he struggles to start the season, and someone like Richard Fitts or Quinn Mathews has a strong start to the Triple-A season, Pallante could be moved to the bullpen if not assigned to the minors (he has one option left).

Kyle Leahy

Leahy got the start in the season finale last year, signaling the organization’s interest in him as a starter. Spring training was not particularly kind to Leahy, but he still stood out enough to get the opportunity to start.