Could Answer To Cardinals Troubles Already Be With Club? One Hurler Is Making Case

The St. Louis Cardinals are going to have some very difficult decisions to make this upcoming offseason. 

St. Louis has dealt with a wide range of struggles this season. The Cardinals are having arguably one of the most disappointing seasons by the organization in recent memory. St. Louis never seemed to get its footing this season and currently is in last place in the National League Central with an abysmal 59-78 record. 

One of the club's biggest issues this season and biggest question marks this upcoming offseason certainly is the starting rotation. St. Louis will have at least three spots to fill and young lefty Zack Thompson is making a case for himself to nab a spot, according to The Athletic's Katie Woo. 

"The Cardinals know they will need to add quality starting pitching -- tons of it, at that -- regardless of how their internal options pan out to finish the year," Woo said. "But one internal option keeps jumping off the page: Zack Thompson. The 25-year-old southpaw delivered again Sunday as the Cardinals beat the (Pittsburgh Pirates) 6-4 to avoid being swept at Busch Stadium. Thompson allowed three earned runs on seven hits while matching a career-high with seven innings pitched. He walked none and struck out six."

Thompson didn't begin the season in the Cardinals' starting rotation but has moved into the role since St. Louis dealt Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty away ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. The young lefty has made five starts for the Cardinals since August 6th and has compiled a 3.60 ERA across 25 innings pitched. Thompson has allowed 10 earned runs over the stretch and has looked impressive.

It's unclear if he can actually land a spot in the starting rotation in 2024, but if he continues to pitch at this rate, he at least is giving himself a chance.