The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a pivotal offseason, and so far, it’s been more quiet than convincing.
After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them finish fourth in the NL Central, the franchise is clearly in reset mode – and fans are growing restless. The front office has holes to fill, questions to answer, and a roster in flux.
One thing is clear: this team needs pitching, and they need it badly.
The rotation lacked depth all season, and it showed. The Cardinals couldn’t consistently keep opposing offenses in check, and that deficiency played a major role in their slide down the standings.
As they look ahead to 2026, the conversation has shifted from “what went wrong” to “who can fix it?” And one name, surprisingly or not, has resurfaced in fan circles: Trevor Bauer.
Yes, that Trevor Bauer – the 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner whose MLB career stalled amid off-field controversy. He hasn’t thrown a pitch in the majors since, and no team has brought him back. But that hasn’t stopped some Cardinals fans from floating the idea that the club should be the one to give him a second chance.
The discussion picked up steam after a post on X (formerly Twitter) from the account “Redbirdriot” posed the question: Should the Cardinals consider signing Bauer?
The replies came in fast and passionate. Some fans argued that Bauer has already paid his dues and deserves another shot, especially given the Cardinals’ dire need for arms.
One fan wrote, *“They should ABSOLUTELY give him that chance! He proved his innocence.
Give him the shot.” * Another added, *“He’ll sign cheap.
Just to get back. No brainer.”
Others took a more practical approach, pointing to the team’s current rebuild and lack of depth. *“Zero reason why not.
What else are we rebuilding for if not to bring people in on short deals to fill the void?” * one fan commented.
Another was blunt: *“Cardinals should give anybody and everybody a chance. They can’t be worse than Pallante.”
There’s no indication from the Cardinals front office that Bauer is on their radar. But the fact that this conversation is even happening speaks volumes about the state of the rotation – and the fan base’s frustration. They’re looking for solutions, and they’re willing to think outside the box to find them.
Meanwhile, the team is also navigating a tricky situation with two key players: Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan. Arenado, the cornerstone third baseman, is reportedly open to a trade, and the Cardinals seem ready to explore that option.
Donovan, on the other hand, is a bit more surprising. He’s coming off a strong season, flashed his versatility, and even brought home a Gold Glove.
Yet his name has also surfaced in trade rumors.
That’s the kind of offseason it’s been in St. Louis – quiet on the surface, but bubbling with uncertainty underneath.
Chaim Bloom, who’s set to officially take over as president of baseball operations next year, will inherit a roster in transition. The Cardinals have talent, but they also have glaring holes.
Their fan base knows it. And while the front office hasn’t made a splash yet, the pressure is mounting to make something happen.
Whether that means exploring unconventional options like Bauer, or pulling off a blockbuster trade involving Arenado or Donovan, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: standing still won’t cut it. The Cardinals need to get aggressive, especially on the mound, if they want to be taken seriously in 2026.
