Tyler Glasnow vs. Shane Bieber: Who makes more sense for the Cardinals?

Tyler Glasnow

We'll start with Glasnow. Even with him already being 30 years old, he's a guy that possesses a ton of upside. We already mentioned how he's a big strikeout guy and that he averaged over 12 punchouts per game this season, but he also doesn't walk many batters, averaging just 2.8 per game.

The Rays pulled off an absolute heist when they traded for him in 2018. They gave up Chris Archer to acquire him from the Pirates and let's just say that deal didn't work out great for Pittsburgh, who also gave up Austin Meadows.

That is one thing the Cardinals should be mindful of. It always seems that whenever teams trade with the Rays, they get the short end of the stick. The Cardinals can attest to this, having made the Randy Arozarena trade.

But on the surface, Glasnow would be a great addition to the Cardinals staff. He has what it takes to be a true ace of any starting staff, and right now, he's that guy for the Rays with Shane McClanahan out.

Still, there are some red flags to be aware of. Glasnow has struggled mightily when it comes to injuries. He missed significant time this year, only pitched two games last year, and was limited to 14 starts in 2021. The Cardinals would also have to give up a lot to get him.

However, if he can remain healthy, he could be the ace the Cardinals need.

Shane Bieber

Now let's have a look at Shane Bieber. He too struggled with injuries this year.

Still, Bieber has plenty of upside, just like Glasnow. He's a big strikeout pitcher and he averaged 7.5 per game this year. That was a step down from the past several years, but it's still a pretty good mark.

He's only 28 as well, so he's got some good years left in him for sure. In addition, he's won a Cy Young, a Gold Glove, and has been an All-Star twice. The accolades are certainly prevalent for Bieber.

Like Glasnow, he'll command a hefty return. An important thing to also note is the fact that he will be on an expiring contract, so that's something the Cardinals will have to be mindful of.

Injuries are always a factor as well, and what Bieber went through this year with his shoulder can't simply be swept under the rug. But at 28, he's still got plenty of years left in him, and this was really the first season where he didn't post ace-caliber numbers.

In all the years leading up to 2023, Bieber was the true ace of the Guardians staff, and adding a guy with a Cy Young Award to your rotation certainly can't hurt, especially since the Cardinals are so desperate for pitching.

It might be better for the Cardinals to look for more controllable options, but they had success when they acquired Paul Goldschmidt and managed to extend him a few months later, so an extension could be had.

The verdict

Both Glasnow and Bieber would be good fits for the Cardinals. But which one makes the most sense?

To me, it's Bieber. I know he struggled with injuries this year, but he still has a ton of upside, and he's been able to stay healthy during his career. He's a strikeout machine when he's right and also has a few accolades to his name.

This is not to say that Glasnow wouldn't be a good fit, but he is two years older than Bieber and has struggled with various injuries, more so than Bieber has. And to me, this is what makes Bieber a better fit.

It would certainly be risky, as the Cardinals would have to give up a lot for a guy on an expiring contract, but it certainly would help to have his experience in the rotation in 2024 and potentially even beyond.

Again, it'll be a matter of whether or not the Cardinals can ultimately give him a contract extension. It worked with Paul Goldschmidt. They were also able to keep Matt Holliday around after they picked him up in 2009, so it is possible.

But I personally feel like Bieber has much more to offer the Cardinals than Glasnow does. He has been an ace, and he has been better able to stay healthy. This would also leave room for the Cardinals to sign someone like Aaron Nola or Sonny Gray to complement him in the rotation.