Peter Strzelecki Elects Free Agency

The Cardinals outrighted reliever Peter Strzelecki to Triple-A Memphis on Friday, according to his transaction tracker at MLB.com. Strzelecki rejected the outright in favor of free agency. As someone who was outrighted previously, Strzelecki was able to turn down the assignment.

The 32-year-old Strzelecki joined the Cardinals on a minor league contract in late July and quickly returned to the majors for the first time since 2024. Over eight appearances and 14 innings, he pitched to a 5.79 ERA with below-average strikeout, walk and ground-ball percentages of 13.1, 9.8 and 38.6, respectively. Most of the damage came during a four-run meltdown over a third of an inning against the Orioles on Aug. 25. Strzelecki went on the 15-day injured list with extensor inflammation in his right forearm two days later. The Cardinals reinstated Strzelecki from the IL and then designated him for assignment on Wednesday.

St. Louis was the third organization of 2026 for Strzelecki, who also pitched in the minors for the Yankees and Brewers this year. Despite impressive strikeout and walk rates (28.7% K, 4.7% BB), he has only managed a 4.54 ERA in 34 2/3 Triple-A frames.

Since debuting in the majors in 2022, Strzelecki has combined for a 3.78 ERA with a 22.4% strikeout rate and a 8.6% walk rate in 97 2/3 innings with the Brewers, Diamondbacks, Guardians and Cardinals. He is likely to settle for another minor league deal in the coming months.