6 young players the Cardinals need to prioritize playing time for down the stretch

Gordon Graceffo

Like McGreevy, Gordon Graceffo has only been able to throw a little bit at the Major League level this year, and while his results are less encouraging, I'd like to see what he has down the stretch.

While McGreevy should definitely start if he is called up, I would be good seeing Graceffo in a starter role or relief role upon his promotion. Obviously the Cardinals would love to see him pan out as a starter, but as he has struggled in that role the last two years, there have been thoughts of seeing what he could do out of the bullpen instead.

We all know how unpredictable bullpens can be, so seeing what he looks like in short stints would give the Cardinals a leg up on building out their bullpen for next year. It wouldn't necessarily end Graceffo's hopes of being a starter, but it would give him utility to pitch in St. Louis next year, even if he's not in the rotation.

I'd probably prefer to see him get starts though, as the Cardinals need to figure out how much rotation "depth" they think they have for 2025. Adam Kloffenstein or Sem Robberse could get the call instead or with Graceffo as well, as any of those three could provide depth behind their rotation options for what injuries occur. Like McGreevy, if the Cardinals feel confident in one or more of that trio being viable depth options, that helps them allocate resources elsewhere (or toward a higher-end starting pitcher).

Quinn Mathews is noticeably missing from my list, but that is because he has just now made his Triple-A debut this past week, and while I think he has a real shot of making an impact early in 2025, I would not be trying to rush that debut. McGreevy, Graceffo, Kloffenstein, and Robberse have not spent multiple seasons in Triple-A, so it is time to see what they've got to offer. There is still time for Mathews to develop, and that should be the priority.

None of McGreevy, Graceffo, Kloffenstein, or Robberse should be seen as future front-line starters, but their potential to be back-of-the-rotation arms is still very important. Mathews has the ceiling of a front-line starter, and it would be beneficial to his development to bring him up to St. Louis when he is ready, not just when there is a need. None of those four more established Triple-A arms would block Mathews from a debut if he was ready, so let them go ahead and have their shot to establish themselves.