5 free agents the St. Louis Cardinals shouldn’t bring back

John Mozeliak watches the spring training game between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
John Mozeliak watches the spring training game between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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DENVER, CO – JULY 03: Wade LeBlanc #49 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Colorado Rockies during a game at Coors Field on July 3, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JULY 03: Wade LeBlanc #49 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Colorado Rockies during a game at Coors Field on July 3, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Wade LeBlanc

Just a day after being released by the Texas Rangers, Wade LeBlanc signed a deal for the remainder of the season with the Cardinals on June 17.

Signed as a potential longer reliever, LeBlanc came up huge for the Cardinals as a starter. In 12 games with the team, he started eight games going 42.1 innings and striking out 23.

The Cardinals were able to make it through the roughest part of the season thanks in part to LeBlanc. Whatever the team needed, LeBlanc was willing to step up. The team was struggling offensively during his starts, so his record wasn’t that great and he did give up 17 earned runs.

LeBlanc’s season came to an end in early September with an elbow issue. This did not stop him from being there for his team as he was a huge cheerleader for the team during the 17-game winning streak in September. He was always there to listen to his younger teammates and pick the brain of veterans like Adam Wainwright and Jon Lester.

LeBlanc appeared grateful for the opportunity to be with the team and the team was grateful for what he was able to bring in their time of need.

It is unclear whether LeBlanc’s arm will allow him to go in 2022. Because of this, the Cardinals should not bring LeBlanc back and opt for a healthy arm.