Last week, I laid out why the Cardinals clinging to Ryan Helsley feels like a missed opportunity. While I stand by that, there’s little fans can do about it. Instead of revisiting Helsley, let’s shift our focus to another player on an expiring contract—one who could net a valuable return while addressing the team’s future:
A Solid Contributor, But Not a Game-Changer
Fedde’s journey has been unique. After reinventing himself in the KBO, he returned stateside and delivered solid results. In 2024, across stints with the White Sox and Cardinals, he made 31 starts, went 9-9, and posted a commendable 3.30 ERA over 177.1 innings.
Acquired in the Tommy Edman trade—a deal that stings a bit more now that Edman boasts an NLCS MVP trophy—Fedde wasn’t dominant, but he exceeded expectations. For teams in need of an innings-eating starter at an affordable price, he’s a prime target.
The Market for Rental Starters Is Booming
The demand for rental pitchers has skyrocketed, as evidenced by the Yusei Kikuchi trade last season. Despite Kikuchi’s underwhelming 4-9 record and 4.75 ERA with Toronto, Houston surrendered three top prospects to acquire him. Fedde’s superior 2024 stats suggest his value could yield an even better return, especially in the offseason when teams are building rosters rather than scrambling at the trade deadline.
Why the Cardinals Should Consider Selling High
Fedde’s expiring contract and respectable 2024 performance position him as an attractive trade chip. The Cardinals, meanwhile, face a crowded rotation scenario with Sonny Gray, Andre Pallante, and Fedde locking down spots, and veterans like Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz potentially blocking younger talents.
Promising arms like Michael McGreevy, Sem Robberse, Gordon Graceffo, and Zack Thompson deserve opportunities to earn rotation spots in spring training. Trading Fedde not only clears a path for these prospects but also helps address the team’s long-term needs.
A Strategic Reset for the Rotation
If the Cardinals are serious about pursuing Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, they’ll need to free up space in the rotation. Sasaki, alongside developing talents, could be a cornerstone of the team’s future. Keeping Fedde through 2025 doesn’t align with this reset, especially when his value is at its peak right now.
Why Fedde Makes Sense as a Trade Piece
Unlike Mikolas or Matz, Fedde’s performance justifies his rotation spot. However, his expiring deal and affordable contract make him an ideal trade candidate. Moving him won’t bring the same return as trading Helsley, but it’s a chance to capitalize on his value while helping to usher in a new era for the Cardinals’ pitching staff.
The Bottom Line
The Cardinals are at a crossroads. If they’re unwilling to move Ryan Helsley, they must seize the opportunity to maximize Erick Fedde’s value. With starting pitching at a premium and the team eyeing a roster reset, shopping Fedde is a logical step toward future success.
The question is: Will the Cardinals pull the trigger?
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