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Cardinals reportedly shopping 4.83 ERA Starter | Sporting News

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  St. Louis is trending toward a deadline sell.

Cardinals Bolster Rotation with Erick Fedde Acquisition Amid Trade Deadline Frenzy


In a bold move to fortify their pitching staff and push for a playoff spot, the St. Louis Cardinals have made headlines by acquiring right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde from the Chicago White Sox as part of a three-team trade that also involved the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal, executed right at the MLB trade deadline, underscores the Cardinals' aggressive approach to addressing their rotation needs in a season where they've hovered around contention in the National League Central. Fedde, who has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in 2024 after a stint in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), brings a much-needed arm to a Cardinals team looking to climb the standings and challenge for a wild-card berth.

The trade itself is a multifaceted exchange that highlights the intricate wheeling and dealing typical of deadline day. The Cardinals parted ways with versatile outfielder/infielder Tommy Edman, who heads to the Dodgers, and in return, they receive Fedde along with outfielder Tommy Pham from the White Sox. Meanwhile, the Dodgers acquire reliever Michael Kopech from Chicago, rounding out a deal that serves multiple purposes for all involved parties. For St. Louis, this isn't just about adding depth; it's a calculated risk on a pitcher who has transformed from a journeyman into a reliable starter, potentially stabilizing a rotation that has been plagued by inconsistencies and injuries throughout the year.

Erick Fedde's journey to this point is nothing short of inspirational, making him an intriguing addition to the Cardinals' roster. Originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft, Fedde spent several seasons in the majors with mixed results. His time with the Nationals from 2017 to 2022 was marked by flashes of potential but also struggles with command and consistency, culminating in a 5.41 ERA over 102 appearances. After being non-tendered by Washington, Fedde took his talents overseas to the NC Dinos in the KBO for the 2023 season. There, he reinvented himself, posting a stellar 2.00 ERA with 209 strikeouts in 180.1 innings, earning MVP honors and drawing interest from MLB teams once again.

Upon returning to the States, Fedde signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the White Sox ahead of the 2024 season. His performance in Chicago has been a revelation, validating the faith placed in him. Through 21 starts, Fedde has compiled an impressive record, showcasing improved velocity, a refined pitch mix including a devastating sweeper and changeup, and better overall control. His ability to induce weak contact and limit hard hits has made him one of the more underrated starters in the American League this year. For a Cardinals team that has relied heavily on veterans like Sonny Gray and Kyle Gibson, Fedde represents a fresh injection of talent that could pay dividends in the stretch run.

From the Cardinals' perspective, shopping for a pitcher like Fedde at the deadline was a necessity rather than a luxury. Entering the deadline period, St. Louis sat just a few games out of the NL wild-card picture, but their starting rotation had been a weak link. Injuries to key arms and underwhelming performances from others left the team vulnerable, especially in a division where the Milwaukee Brewers have surged ahead. General Manager John Mozeliak and the front office had been actively scouring the market for pitching help, with names like Jack Flaherty (who ended up with the Dodgers) and others in the mix. Ultimately, Fedde emerged as an ideal target—affordable in terms of prospect capital, under team control through 2025, and immediately impactful without the sticker shock of a blockbuster deal.

The inclusion of Tommy Pham in the trade adds another layer of intrigue. Pham, a former Cardinal himself, returns to St. Louis where he began his MLB career in 2014. Known for his gritty play and offensive pop, Pham provides outfield depth and a veteran presence in the clubhouse. His familiarity with the organization could ease the transition, and his right-handed bat offers balance to a lineup that has at times struggled against left-handed pitching. Losing Tommy Edman, however, is a notable sacrifice. Edman, sidelined for much of the season due to wrist surgery, is a Gold Glove-caliber defender with positional versatility and speed on the bases. His departure thins out the Cardinals' infield options, but the team evidently views the pitching upgrade as worth the cost, especially with prospects like Victor Scott II waiting in the wings.

This trade also reflects broader trends at the 2024 deadline, where contending teams like the Cardinals opted for targeted improvements rather than all-in overhauls. The White Sox, mired in one of the worst seasons in franchise history, were clear sellers, offloading assets like Fedde and Kopech to rebuild their farm system. The Dodgers, perennial contenders, continue their pattern of shrewd moves to bolster their bullpen and depth. For St. Louis, the deal aligns with their philosophy of sustainable contention—adding pieces that fit both short-term goals and long-term roster construction without mortgaging the future.

Looking ahead, Fedde's integration into the Cardinals' rotation will be closely watched. Manager Oliver Marmol has indicated that Fedde could slot in as a mid-rotation starter, potentially bumping someone like Andre Pallante to the bullpen or long relief. Fedde's durability—he's averaged over six innings per start this season—could alleviate some of the workload on the bullpen, which has been overtaxed at times. Moreover, his contract provides cost certainty, with a $7.5 million salary for 2025, making him an attractive piece for a team mindful of payroll constraints.

Critics might question whether this move is enough to propel the Cardinals into the postseason. The team has underperformed relative to expectations, with offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses contributing to a middling record. However, acquisitions like Fedde signal a commitment to competing now, rather than punting on the season. If Fedde maintains his form and the offense clicks—led by stars like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras—the Cardinals could make a late surge. The NL Central remains winnable, and with the expanded playoff format, even a wild-card spot is within reach.

In the grand scheme, this trade exemplifies the high-stakes chess game of the MLB trade deadline. Teams like the Cardinals must balance immediate needs with future aspirations, and acquiring Fedde appears to strike that balance effectively. As the dust settles, fans in St. Louis will hope this infusion of talent reignites the team's playoff hopes, turning what has been a frustrating season into a memorable one. Whether Fedde becomes a cornerstone or a deadline footnote remains to be seen, but for now, his arrival injects optimism into a franchise hungry for success.

Beyond the on-field implications, this deal carries emotional weight for the Cardinals' faithful. St. Louis has a storied history of deadline magic—think back to acquisitions like Matt Holliday in 2009 or even more recent moves that propelled them to contention. Fedde, with his comeback story, fits the narrative of redemption that resonates in a baseball town like this. Pham's return adds a nostalgic element, reminding fans of the 2011 World Series era when homegrown talent and savvy additions led to glory.

From a strategic standpoint, the Cardinals' front office deserves credit for navigating a competitive market. Other pitchers like Frankie Montas or Yusei Kikuchi were available, but Fedde's upside and contract made him the preferable choice. The three-team structure allowed them to maximize value without depleting their prospect pool excessively. Prospects like Thomas Saggese or Tekoah Roby remain in the system, preserving options for future trades or promotions.

As the season progresses, Fedde's performance will be under the microscope. Can he adapt to the National League? Will his KBO-honed skills hold up against stiffer competition in the playoffs? These questions loom, but early indicators are positive. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off-balance could be particularly effective in Busch Stadium, where the dimensions favor pitchers who generate ground balls.

In summary, the Cardinals' acquisition of Erick Fedde represents a pivotal deadline maneuver aimed at salvaging the 2024 campaign. It's a trade born of necessity, executed with precision, and laced with potential. As St. Louis turns its focus to the remaining games, this move could be the spark that ignites a playoff run, or at the very least, sets the stage for a stronger 2025. Baseball's unpredictability ensures nothing is guaranteed, but for now, the Redbirds have reason to believe. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/st-louis-cardinals/news/st-louis-cardinals-erick-fedde-shopping-trade-deadline/5961ac7c5d2f81652377c184 ]