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

The postseason rolls along and continues to do so without the Cardinals, who finished in last place in the NL Central with a record of 71-91.

When we talk about why the Cardinals failed in 2023, we're essentially beating a dead horse at this point. It's obvious as to what they need, and that's starting pitching. There are certainly other issues, but this is the most glaring need.

The free agent market will be full of solid starters to choose from, but it's going to be hard for the Cardinals to sign three frontline starters. They can manage two but will more than likely have to dive into the trade market to get the third one.

There are two starters on the trade market who could make sense for the Cardinals. One, we've discussed here on the site quite a bit. Tyler Glasnow could be an interesting fit for the Cardinals. The 30-year-old had a solid 2023 season after returning from an injury, going 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA.

Glasnow also averaged 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Another option can be found in Cleveland, that being Shane Bieber. He struggled a bit this year, but still posted respectable numbers, going 6-6 with a 3.80 ERA in 21 starts. He too missed time due to injuries.

But those are two solid starters the Cardinals can choose from if and when they decide to peruse the trade market.

In this piece, we will be discussing both pitchers and which one makes more sense for the Cardinals.

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.