The state of the Cardinals' bullpen after this offseason's roster changes reveals a team in flux, with a mixture of familiar faces and new potential. But here's where it gets controversial: all significant roster moves have focused on pitching, signaling a possible overhaul in the staff when players report to spring training in about a month. While this current setup is likely to evolve further—especially if the Cardinals pursue more trades—the present makeup of the bullpen offers an intriguing snapshot of what could be a very different group by season's end.
Many fans might be closely following the starting rotation, which is expected to dominate discussions throughout the season, but the bullpen also faces plenty of uncertain variables that might remain unresolved for some time. At this moment, JoJo Romero is serving as the closer for the 2026 Cardinals, but there's little reason for the team to keep him indefinitely. Rumors around the 28-year-old left-hander—known for performing under high-pressure situations—have diminished recently, but Romero's recent agreement to a new contract gives other teams a clear idea of his projected cost next season. Still, it's unlikely Romero will be with the Cardinals when they head north for Opening Day—echoing the team's cautious approach seen in past trades and signings, where patience sometimes pays off.
Backing up Romero is Matt Svanson, a promising right-handed reliever who broke into the majors last season. At nearly 27 years old, Svanson earned his spot on the roster after impressing with his performance in the minors, particularly in a closing role in 2024, before rising through the Memphis ranks last year. In 39 appearances, Svanson posted an impressive 1.94 ERA and struck out nearly 30% of batters faced—clear signs that he could be a future candidate for the ninth inning, especially if Romero departs. His rapid development and strong numbers suggest he may become a go-to in high-leverage situations.
Things become more complex beyond this point. Kyle Leahy, who was a versatile reliever last season—often called upon in critical moments—might be shifting roles this year. Speculation suggests he could contend for a spot in the starting rotation, which creates a gap in the relief corps. Among the current relievers, Riley O'Brien stands out as a likely candidate to fill that void. He showed flashes of electric stuff last season and could be called upon early to handle high-pressure situations, though occasional command issues remain a concern. The Cardinals are likely willing to take the risk given his raw power and potential.
If O'Brien struggles or management prefers some veteran stability, the team’s recent free agent signing, Ryne Stanek, could step in. Known for his high-velocity fastball, Stanek has a track record of filling multiple roles—from opener to closer—making him a versatile option. Although his control can be inconsistent, his experience might be exactly what the team needs to stabilize the late innings, especially in more relaxed game situations or to mentor younger arms.
Beyond these core relievers, there’s some uncertainty. Ryan Fernandez, who had a breakout season in 2024, is fighting to regain that form after a less impactful 2025. Meanwhile, the Cardinals added Matt Pushard via the Rule 5 draft—meaning he must stay on the major league roster or be returned to his original team, the Marlins. Pushard has shown promising skills in the minors, and the team will be watching closely to see if he can impress early on.
Justin Bruihl, a left-hander and the latest addition to the roster, could find himself in a role similar to that of John King—perhaps as a setup man or middle reliever—hoping to avoid the struggles King faced last season. The bullpen will likely feature a revolving door, with some arms being used in different roles to keep fresh arms in the mix and maximize their effectiveness.
On the prospects front, Gordon Graceffo, Chris Roycroft, Nick Raquet, and Andre Granillo have all seen time in the Majors before and are expected to compete for spots in spring training. The bullpen’s current structure is likely to change—especially if JoJo Romero is traded—and the entire pitching staff, including the rotation, will be closely monitored as new additions like Richard Fitts, Hunter Dobbins, and Dustin May arrive. This could mean competition between pitchers like Andre Pallante and Kyle Leahy for rotation spots or even a temporary move back to relief roles.
In the end, the Cardinals’ bullpen feels like a work in progress, with plenty of moving parts and potential for major changes throughout spring training and the season itself. So, the question remains: Is this patchwork bullpen poised for success, or does it set the stage for ongoing challenges? How do you see these pieces fitting together—are they a diamond in the rough, or are there bigger cracks hidden beneath the surface? Share your thoughts below!
