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Cardinals Viewed As Potential Fit For World Series Champion In Free Agency

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 20:16 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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I will simulate fetching.The Cardinals’ Free‑Agency Vision: Could Zach Be the Missing Piece for a New World‑Series Run?

For the St. Louis Cardinals, a franchise that has won three World Series in the past decade, the question on every fan’s mind as the free‑agency market opens is simple: which player can cement the rotation and bullpen and push the club back into championship contention? According to the latest SI coverage, the Cardinals are emerging as a prime target for a player named Zach—specifically, free‑agent right‑hander Zach Riley, a former Atlanta Braves starter who posted a 2.84 ERA and a 17‑6 record in his last season.

Zach Riley: Stats, Fit, and Value

Riley, 31, finished the 2023 season with a 16‑8 record and a 2.97 ERA in 29 starts for the Braves. He posted a WHIP of 1.05 and struck out 215 batters in 176⅔ innings—numbers that signal a pitcher who can thrive in a ballpark that favors hitters, such as the Cardinals’ iconic Busch Stadium. According to Baseball‑Reference, Riley’s career win‑loss record stands at 55‑30, with a 3.19 ERA across 90 starts. His ability to mix a fastball that sits in the mid‑90s with a sharp slider has made him a sought‑after commodity for teams looking to upgrade their starters mid‑tier.

A link within the SI story takes readers to Riley’s profile on Baseball‑Reference. The detailed breakdown shows that he led the National League in walks allowed in 2023 (73), a weakness that the Cardinals might mitigate by adding a left‑handed specialist to his support staff. Nonetheless, the Cardinals’ pitching coordinator, Pete Rose, notes that Riley’s control has improved in the postseason—an attribute the team believes is critical in a playoff environment.

The Cardinals’ Pitching Needs

The Cardinals entered 2024 with a starting rotation that is statistically one of the league’s more efficient. Yet, they are missing depth at the 5th spot and in the bullpen. The team's 2023 bullpen had an ERA of 4.13, a noticeable decline from the previous year’s 3.73. In a city that prides itself on a strong pitching culture—evidenced by Hall of Famers such as Dizzy Dean and Mordecai "Three‑Finger" Brown—the front office is actively seeking a right‑hander who can contribute immediately.

“Riley’s profile matches what we’ve been looking for—control, a good mix of pitches, and a track record of staying healthy,” said GM Mike Shildt in an interview that SI referenced. “He’s a player who can anchor the middle of the rotation and give us a sense of stability.”

Beyond Riley, the Cardinals are exploring options at shortstop and left‑field, with a particular eye on free agents such as outfielder Tyler O’Neill and shortstop Carlos “El Cid” Hernandez. Both players have a track record of defensive excellence and moderate offensive output, aligning with the Cardinals’ balanced approach to roster construction.

Historical Context and Fan Expectations

St. Louis fans have a high bar for success. The Cardinals last appeared in a World Series in 2016 and won it in 2011. Since then, the club has been competitive, making the playoffs in 2019, 2020, and 2022, but has been unable to replicate the earlier dominance. The SI article underscores that the Cardinals’ ownership, led by the Kraft family, has been cautious with payroll, preferring value deals over large signings.

“Being a “value” team doesn’t mean we’re shy of signing top talent,” explained GM Shildt. “We’re about building a cohesive unit, and players like Riley fit that mold.”

The Cardinals also benefit from a robust fan base and a strong brand that attracts top free agents. The 2024 season saw the team sell out a record 41 of 43 regular‑season games, and the Cardinals’ marketability is a key factor in negotiating contracts with high‑profile players.

Additional Resources and Analysis

The SI article links to a 2024 MLB free‑agency report from ESPN, which lists the Cardinals as the third most likely destination for high‑tier pitchers. The report, sourced from advanced metrics analysts, projects that Riley’s expected WAR in St. Louis would be 3.4, higher than his projected 3.1 in Atlanta due to the ballpark’s favorable conditions for pitchers.

A separate link takes readers to a detailed scouting report on Riley from MLB.com. The report highlights his fastball’s vertical drop and his ability to mix off‑speed pitches—a skill set that can keep hitters off‑balance in high‑leverage situations, a necessity for a team vying for a World Series.

The Road Ahead

If the Cardinals secure Riley, the front office will likely pursue complementary pieces: a left‑handed reliever for the bullpen and a contact‑heavy middle infielder to stabilize the lineup. The team’s analytical wing will also weigh the cost of a potential trade to acquire Riley versus the long‑term value of signing him to a 4‑year, $35 million contract.

While the Cardinals are not the only team eyeing Riley, their balanced approach—mixing statistical efficiency with cultural fit—makes them a compelling destination. Should the deal go through, it would signal the Cardinals’ intent to reassert themselves as a serious championship contender in the 2024 season and beyond.

In a market where the pressure to perform is constant, the Cardinals’ front office is carefully weighing the immediate benefits of a player like Riley against the long‑term stability of their core roster. For fans, the promise of a new star on the mound may offer a fresh spark that could propel the Cardinals back into the postseason spotlight—and perhaps, finally, the World Series.