Cardinals Cut Ties with Struggling Starter

Cardinals DFA Erick Fedde

A Career of Grit and Reinvention

Fedde’s journey weaves a tale of perseverance. Drafted 18th overall by the Washington Nationals in 2014, he debuted in 2017, posting a 29-33 record with a 4.92 ERA over six seasons. After a dismal 2022, Fedde found redemption in South Korea’s KBO League , boasting a 2.00 ERA in 2023. This resurgence paved the way for his return to MLB with the Chicago White Sox in 2024. 

A Stellar 2024 Campaign

In 2024, Fedde flourished, cementing his breakout status. Traded to St. Louis midseason, he threw 177 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA, striking out 21.2% of batters while inducing ground balls at a 42.1% clip. His sinker and cutter baffled hitters, establishing him as a reliable mid-rotation starter for a contending Cardinals squad. With St. Louis chasing a postseason berth, it went all in, engaging in a three-team trade. The Cardinals got Fedde, Tommy Pham , and cash (from the White Sox). The Dodgers got Michael Kopech, Tommy Edman , and Oliver Gonzalez from St. Louis. And lastly, the White Sox acquired Miguel Vargas, Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), and Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect). Fedde emerged as a dependable mid-rotation stalwart, complementing staff ace Sonny Gray. Although Fedde delivered a career year, the Cardinals failed to reach the postseason. 

2025’s Precipitous Decline

However, 2025 unraveled swiftly. Fedde struggled to a 3-10 record, with a 5.22 ERA and a 1.505 WHIP across 101 2/3 innings. His control vanished, issuing 47 walks against 63 strikeouts. Furthermore, the sinker lost its bite, and his cutter grew inconsistent, yielding 19 earned runs in his final four starts. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol, exasperated after a July 7 blowout, hinted at changes, stating “working through conversations” to Jeff Jones of Belleville News, about what to do with the rotation, with prospect Michael McGreevy poised to have a spot in St. Louis’s rotation from now on. 

What’s Next for Fedde?

As Erick Fedde clears waivers following his DFA, potential suitors emerge. The Baltimore Orioles, needing rotation depth, might see him as a fixable asset. Similarly, the San Francisco Giants, adept at reviving pitchers, could leverage their pitcher-friendly park to restore Fedde’s sinker. Additionally, the Texas Rangers, scrambling for arms, might bet on his 2024 form. With his $7.5 million contract expiring, Fedde’s next stop depends on recapturing his prior command.