ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals designated right-hander Erick Fedde for assignment, as Katie Woo of The Athletic first reported. This move severs ties with the 32-year-old pitcher, whose 2025 season faltered dramatically. As a trade deadline gem last season, Fedde now faces an uncertain future as he hits the waiver wire. The Cardinals will recall Andre Granillo from Triple-A Memphis, with an opening on the 40-man roster.
Cardinals DFA Erick Fedde
A Career of Grit and Reinvention
Fedde’s journey weaves a tale of perseverance. Drafted 18th overall by the Washington Nationals in 2014, he debuted in 2017, posting a 29-33 record with a 4.92 ERA over six seasons. After a dismal 2022, Fedde found redemption in South Korea’s KBO League, boasting a 2.00 ERA in 2023. This resurgence paved the way for his return to MLB with the Chicago White Sox in 2024.
RHP Andre Granillo has been recalled from Memphis (AAA).
RHP Erick Fedde has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/t6nwLY6aiG
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 23, 2025
A Stellar 2024 Campaign
In 2024, Fedde flourished, cementing his breakout status. Traded to St. Louis midseason, he threw 177 1/3 innings with a 3.30 ERA, striking out 21.2% of batters while inducing ground balls at a 42.1% clip. His sinker and cutter baffled hitters, establishing him as a reliable mid-rotation starter for a contending Cardinals squad. With St. Louis chasing a postseason berth, it went all in, engaging in a three-team trade. The Cardinals got Fedde, Tommy Pham, and cash (from the White Sox). The Dodgers got Michael Kopech, Tommy Edman, and Oliver Gonzalez from St. Louis. And lastly, the White Sox acquired Miguel Vargas, Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), and Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect). Fedde emerged as a dependable mid-rotation stalwart, complementing staff ace Sonny Gray. Although Fedde delivered a career year, the Cardinals failed to reach the postseason.
Erick “Trap King” Fedde, Painted 90mph Cutter.
pic.twitter.com/MjvhuVk04r
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 15, 2024
2025’s Precipitous Decline
However, 2025 unraveled swiftly. Fedde struggled to a 3-10 record, with a 5.22 ERA and a 1.505 WHIP across 101 2/3 innings. His control vanished, issuing 47 walks against 63 strikeouts. Furthermore, the sinker lost its bite, and his cutter grew inconsistent, yielding 19 earned runs in his final four starts. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol, exasperated after a July 7 blowout, hinted at changes, stating “working through conversations” to Jeff Jones of Belleville News, about what to do with the rotation, with prospect Michael McGreevy poised to have a spot in St. Louis’s rotation from now on.
good morning to everyone but ESPECIALLY Michael McGreevy
pic.twitter.com/Zy2GxifBAm
— Cardinals Talk (@theredbird_way) July 22, 2025
What’s Next for Fedde?
As Erick Fedde clears waivers following his DFA, potential suitors emerge. The Baltimore Orioles, needing rotation depth, might see him as a fixable asset. Similarly, the San Francisco Giants, adept at reviving pitchers, could leverage their pitcher-friendly park to restore Fedde’s sinker. Additionally, the Texas Rangers, scrambling for arms, might bet on his 2024 form. With his $7.5 million contract expiring, Fedde’s next stop depends on recapturing his prior command.
Main Photo Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
The post Cardinals Cut Ties with Struggling Starter appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.