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.

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.

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.