7 areas of investments the Cardinals must make this winter

Pitching

In 2024 the Cardinals thought they had compiled a pitching staff to help them get through innings. As the team enters the final weeks of the season, teetering on the .500 mark, the Cardinals did not compile that needed starting rotation.

Sonny Gray was the expected ace. He started the season on the injured list, but while he had good starts, he struggled to be that needed ace. He remains with the team for two more seasons. Erick Fedde came to the Cardinals via trade. He can eat innings but hasn't been the starter the team hoped. He has one more season with the Cardinals. Andre Pallante worked to regain the title of starter this season and has been a real star every fifth day.

The rotation also includes Miles Mikolas, who has been terrible this season. He comes at the job with a lot of bravado that never adds up once he starts giving up hits and runs. Manager Oli Marmol seems to enjoy Mikolas's personality and the levity he brings to the team. If the Cardinals could move on from Mikolas, who does have a season remaining on his contract, they should do so.

Steven Matz returned from the injured list and has been a helpful addition. He has another season under contract with the Cardinals. If he can perform at or better than he has since his return that would be great.

The Cardinals also have options next season for Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. Lynn had an excellent start this week after returning from the injured list. He had a decent season with the Cardinals, but the team should not pick up his option. Gibson, on the other hand, has been better than anticipated and the team should consider picking up his option as he is a fan and clubhouse favorite.

They also have some prospects who could crack the team out of spring training. Mike McGreevy had an outstanding start for the Cardinals in July. He was quickly sent back to AAA Memphis, but he should get another start this season just to show what the fans can expect from him. Gordan Graceffo, Cooper Hjerpe, Quinn Mathews, and Tink Hence could be other arms Cardinals fans can look forward to from the prospect pool.

The Cardinals must invest in more top-tier starting pitching and long-innings relief. The organization must get serious about effective pitching.