St. Louis Blues trade Brayden Schenn

The St. Louis Blues have traded center Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders for left wing Jonathan Drouin, goalie prospect Marcus Gidlof, a 2026 1st-round pick, and a 2026 3rd-round pick. Schenn, 34, currently has played 61 games with 12 goals, 16 assists, 28 points, and a -23 in 2025-2026. 

Schenn has been an All-Star 1 time: (2017-2018). 

In 2018-2019, Schenn helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup.

Schenn had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Schenn played 82 games with 21 goals, 44 assists, 65 points, and a -27. The assists and points were both career highs for Schenn.

In 2017-2018, Schenn had a career high (28) goals. 

Overall, Schenn is currently in his 17th NHL season. Schenn has played 1,083 games with 290 goals, 423 assists, 713 points, and a -66. In the playoffs, Schenn has played 82 games with 13 goals, 30 assists, 43 points, and a -19.

 

Drouin, 30, currently has played 55 games with 3 goals, 18 assists, 21 points, and a -3 in 2025-2026. 

Drouin had his best season in 2023-2024, with the Colorado Avalanche. That season, Drouin played 79 games with 19 goals, 37 assists, 56 points, and a plus 12. The assists, points, and plus mark were all career highs for Drouin. 

In 2016-2017, with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Drouin had a career high (21) goals. 

Overall, Drouin is currently in his 12th NHL season. Drouin has played 662 games with 110 goals, 285 assists, 395 points, and a -73. In the playoffs, Drouin has played 43 games with 6 goals, 21 assists, 27 points, and a -11. 

Gidolf, 20, currently has played 24 games and is 9-15 with 4 shutouts, a .896 save percentage, and a 2.84 goals-against average with Leksands IF in 2025-2026. 

The Blues get a good return for Schenn. They got more draft picks and Drouin. Drouin makes $4 million next season. There's a chance that Drouin could be a trade chip at some point next season. 

St. Louis Blues trade Justin Faulk

The St. Louis Blues have traded defenseman Justin Faulk to the Detroit Red Wings for defenseman Justin Holl, left wing Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 2026 1st-round pick, and a 2026 3rd-round pick. Faulk, 33, currently has played 61 games with 11 goals, 21 assists, 32 points, and a -3 in 2025-2026. 

Faulk has been an All-Star 3 times: (2014-2015, 2015-2016, and a 2016-2017). 

Faulk had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Faulk played 82 games with 11 goals, 39 assists, 50 points, and a -4. The assists and points were both career highs for Faulk. 

In 2016-2017, Faulk had a career high (17) goals. 

Overall, Faulk is currently in his 15th NHL season. Faulk has played 1,041 games with 141 goals, 349 assists, 490 points, and a -69. In the playoffs, Faulk has played 45 games with 4 goals, 16 assists, 20 points, and a plus 4. 
 

Holl, 34, currently has played 41 games with 2 goals, 12 assists, 14 points, and a plus 19 with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) in 2025-2026. 

Holl had his best season in 2021-2022, with the Toronto Maple Leafs. That season, Holl played 69 games with 3 goals, 20 assists, 23 points, and a plus 14. The goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Holl. 

Overall, Holl has played 8 NHL seasons. Holl has played 396 games with 13 goals, 82 assists, 95 points, and a plus 59. In the playoffs, Holl has played 25 games with 3 assists, 3 points, and a -3. 

Buchelnikov, 22, currently has played 38 games with 13 goals, 10 assists, and 23 points with CSKA Moscow (KHL) in 2025-2026. 

Buchelnikov had his best season in 2024-2025, with Balashikha Vityaz. That season, Buchelnikov played 65 games with 15 goals, 39 assists, 54 points, and a -6. The games, goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Buchelnikov in his KHL career. 

The Red Wings drafted Buchelnikov in the 2nd-round (52nd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft.

The Blues got a pretty good return for Faulk with two good draft picks. Holl can either stay in the AHL or be used as depth. Holl can be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Buchelnikov could good building piece for the Blues future. 

St. Louis Cardinals Extend Oliver Marmol

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed manager Oliver Marmol to a two-year contract extension. The contract includes a team option for 2029. Marmol, 39. led the Cardinals to a record of 78-84 with a .481 winning percentage in 2025. 

Marmol had his best season in 2022. That season, Marmol was 93-69 with a .574 winning percentage. The wins and winning percentage were both career highs for Marmol in his managerial career. 

Overall, Marmol has managed 4 seasons. Marmol has managed 648 games and is 325-323 with a winning percentage of .502. In the playoffs, Marmol is 0-2. 

Fans might not be excited about this move.  If fans set back and think for a bit, the move makes sense. The Cardinals are in a rebuild right? If I recall correctly, they are. What big name manager would want to manage in a rebuild? Probably no big-name manager. The move also gives Chaim Bloom more time to evaluate Marmol with a young roster. Marmol does well with young players, too. Players also like Marmol. You try to get the team ready to win first. Then, if Marmol proves he can't be successful with a team that can win, you look for an upgrade at manager. If Marmol were to be fired now, you'd just get someone similar to him with no MLB managing experience. Then fans would complain about that manager when he has the same issues due to not being able to win. 

Do fans realize that the last two seasons the Cardinals have performed better than their records should have been based on run differential? In 2024, the Cardinals were 83-79. The Cardinals should have been 76-86. The Cardinals were 78-84 in 2025. The Cardinals should have been 74-88. So, the last two seasons the Cardinals have 11 more wins than expected. Who should get credit for that happening? Can you say the front office has helped Marmol? 

If Marmol was so bad as a manager as fans think, then why does he have a better winning percentage than Tony La Russa did in his first 4 seasons as a Cardinals manager? Can someone explain that to me? La Russa even had more talent to work with than Marmol has had. 

In the National League, Marmol is the 3rd longest-tenured manager behind Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Torey Lovullo (Arizona Diamondbacks).

St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Season Preview

 

Offseason additions: Starting pitcher Dustin May, starting pitcher Richard Fitts, starting pitcher Hunter Dobbins, starting pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, starting pitcher Brandon Clarke,  starting pitcher, Yhoiker Fajardo, starting pitcher Blake Aita, starting pitcher Jack Martinez, RHP Ryne Stanek, RHP George Soriano, RHP Matt Pushard, RHP Robbie Knowles, RHP Dominic Freeberger, LHP Justin Bruihl, LHP Jared Shuster, LHP Bruce Zimmermann, RHP Scott Blewett, RHP Justin Militello, infielder Ramon Urias, first baseman/outfielder Bligh Madris, outfielder Nelson Velazquez, outfielder Tai Peete, and outfielder Colton Ledbetter.

Offseason substitutions: Starting pitcher Sonny Gray (traded to Boston Red Sox), starting pitcher Miles Mikolas (signed with Washington Nationals), RHP Jorge Alcala (minor league contract with Toronto Blue Jays), RHP Roddery Munoz (claimed off waivers by Cincinnati Reds, now with Houston Astros), LHP John King (signed with Miami Marllins), LHP Anthony Veneziano (signed with the SSG Landers in Korea), first baseman Wilson Contreras (traded to Boston Red Sox), third baseman Nolan Arenado (traded to Arizona Diamondbacks), second baseman Brendan Donovan (traded to Seattle Mariners), and outfielder Michael Siani (claimed off waivers by Atlanta Braves, now with Los Angeles Dodgers).

Point team prediction: 75-80 wins (4th place in NL Central). 

The Cardinals spent the off season heading into 2026 restocking their farm system. The Cardinals have needed to get better talent in their farm system for the last couple of seasons. On paper, the moves seem to have paid off for the new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Baseball America ranks the Cardinals farm system the second best in baseball behind the Pittsburgh Pirates. For comparison with other sites, FanGraphs ranks the Cardinals' farm system no.1 and ESPN 9th. 

The Cardinals also hired three new player development coaches Casey Demko (infield coordinator), Hugh Quattlebaum (hitting coordinator), and Dalton Hurd (director of hitting). Demko, 29, joins the Cardinals organization after being an assistant coach for Abilene Christian University. 

Quattlebaum, 42, most recently was an assistant hitting coach with the Atlanta Braves for 1 season (2025). Before joining the Braves coaching staff, Quattlebaum was the New York Mets hitting coach for 1 season (2021). 

Hurd, 30, most recently was the Baltimore Orioles' minor hitting coordinator for 1 season (2025). Before joining the Orioles organization, Hurd was a hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants at their Arizona Complex League. 

Hurd was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 25th round in the 2018 MLB Draft. 

Overall, Hurd played 2 minor league seasons. Hurd played 33 games with 12 runs, 15 hits, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 16 RBI's, 1 stolen base, 12 walks, and a .156 batting average. 

Starting rotation (5): 

Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, Richard Fitts, Michael McGreevy, and Kyle Leahy

Bullpen (8):

Matt Svanson, Riley O'Brien, Ryne Stanek, George Soriano, Matt Pushard, Andre Pallante, JoJo Romero, and Justin Bruihl.

Lineup:

2B JJ Wetherholt, DH Ivan Herrera, 1B Alec Burleson, 3B Nolan Gorman, LF Nelson Velazquez (Lars Nootbaar is expected to start the season in the IL), SS Masyn Winn, RF Jordan Walker, C Pedro Pages, and CF Victor Scott II

Bench (4):

C Jimmy Crooks, OF Nathan Church, infielder Ramon Urias, and infielder Thomas Saggese.

Fantasy stud:

Ivan Herrera and Alec Burleson

Prospects to watch: 

JJ Wetherholt, Quinn Mathews, and Leonardo Bernal

St. Louis Cardinals sign Ramon Urias

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed infielder Ramon Urias to a one-year contract, worth $2 million. Urias can earn up to $2 million in incentives from plate appearances. The contract includes $500,000 buyout on a mutual option for 2027. Urias, 31, hit .241 with 33 runs, 85 hits, 17 doubles, 11 home runs, 44 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 27 walks combined between the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros in 2025. 

Urias had his best season in 2022, with the Orioles. That season, Urias hit .248 with 50 runs, 100 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 51 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 30 walks. The runs, hits, home runs, RBI's, and walks were all career highs for Urias. Urias also won a Gold Glove Award. 

In 2023, Urias had career highs in doubles (22), triples (3), and stolen bases (3). 

Overall, Urias has played 6 MLB seasons. Urias has played 541 games with 203 runs, 431 hits, 81 doubles, 6 triples, 50 home runs, 215 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, 137 walks, and a .257 batting average. 

This will be Urias's 2nd tenure with the Cardinals. Urias previously was in the Cardinals' minors for 2 seasons (2018-2019). 

To make room for Urias on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals have designated RHP Zak Kent for assignment. Kent, 27, was recently reacquired by the Cardinals from the Texas Rangers on February 16, 2026. 

Urias will wear no.33. 

I think the Cardinals view Urias as a veteran presence off the bench who can fill in at times. Urias also plays good defense. 

St. Louis Cardinals acquire George Soriano

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded RHP Andre Granillo to the Washington Nationals for RHP George Soriano. Granillo, 25, was 1-0 with a 4.71 ERA, 14 games, 1 save, 21 innings, 18 strikeouts, 7 walks, and a whip of 1.18 in in 2025. Granillo made his MLB debut on June 12, 2025, at American Family Field against the Milwaukee Brewers. 

In Triple-A Memphis, Granillo was 5-0 with a 1.29 ERA, 29 games, 4 holds, 2 saves, 42 innings, 58 strikeouts, 14 walks, and a whip of 0.83 in 2025.

Granillo had his best season in 2024, combined between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. That season, Granillo has 8-2 with a 3.88 ERA, 48 games, 5 holds, 5 saves, 65 innings, 80 strikeouts, 41 walks, and a whip of 1.26. The wins and holds were both career highs for Granillo. 

In 2023, combined between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, Granillo had career highs in games (53), saves (14), innings (68.1), and strikeouts (89). 

Overall, Granillo has played 5 minor league seasons. Granillo is 22-15 with a 3.55 ERA, 183 games, 13 holds, 31 saves, 245.2 innings, 332 strikeouts, 132 walks, and a whip of 1.22.

Soriano, 26, was 2-0 with a 8.35 ERA, 24 games, 1 save, 36,2 innings, 36 strikeouts, 19 walks, and a whip of 1.77 with the Miami Marlins in 2025. The wins were a career high for Soriano. 

In Triple-A Jacksonville, Soriano was 4-1 with a 2.32 ERA, 29 games, 1 start, 4 holds, 2 saves, 42.2 innings, 49 strikeouts, 15 walks, and a whip of 0.98.

Soriano had his best MLB season in 2023. That season, Soriano was 0-0 with a 3.81 ERA, 26 games, 1 start, 1 save, 52 innings, 52 strikeouts, 23 walks, and a whip of 1.33. The games, start, save, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Soriano. 

In 2024, Soriano had a career high (2) holds. 

Overall, Soriano has played 3 MLB seasons. Soriano is 3-1 with a 5.95 ERA, 72 games, 1 start, 2 holds, 3 saves, 118 innings, 117 strikeouts, 55 walks, and a whip of 1.47.

Overall, in the minors, Soriano has played 8 seasons. Soriano is 23-25 with a 3.40 ERA, 179 games, 62 starts, 2 complete games, 1 shutout, 17 holds, 16 saves, 490 innings, 510 strikeouts, 210 walks, and a whip of 1.27.

Soriano is a cousin of former MLB outfielder/second baseman Alfonso Soriano.

On paper, Soriano and Granillo are pretty similar if you compare their minor league numbers. Soriano seems to have the higher upside than Granillo does, but he needs to improve his command. 

St. Louis Cardinals sign Justin Militello

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed RHP Justin Militello to a two-year minor league contract. Militello, 22, was 2-5 with a 5.86 ERA, 15 games, 7 starts, 43 innings, 44 strikeouts, 28 walks, and a whip of 1.26 combined between the FCL Braves and Low-A Augusta in 2025. The wins tied a career from 2024 for Militello. The games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career high for Militello. 

After being released, Militello signed with the Lake County DuckHounds of the American Association. Militello was 0-0 with a 19.29 ERA, 3 games, 2.1 innings, 5 walks, and 1 strikeout. 

Overall, Militello has played 2 minor league seasons. Militello is 4-10 with a 7.71 ERA, 27 games, 12 starts, 74.2 innings, 68 strikeouts, 55 walks, and a whip of 1.06. 

The Atlanta Braves signed Militello in 2022 as an undrafted free agent out of high school. 

The Cardinals have assigned Militello to High-A Peoria. 

Militello throws hard but needs to improve his control. Militello can reach 95 miles per hour with the fastball. 

Militello seems to be a low-risk high reward type of signing. 

 

St. Louis Blues claim Jack Finley

 

The St. Louis Blues have claimed center Jack Finley off of waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Finley, 23, currently has played 22 games with 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, and a plus 2 in 2025-2026. The games, goals, assist, and plus mark are all career highs for Finley. 

In the AHL, with the Syracuse Crunch, Finley has played 3 games with 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 2025-2026.

Finley had career highs in both assists (13) and points (32) in 2023-2024. 

In 2024-2025, Finley had a career high (14) goals. 

Overall, in the AHL, Finley has played 5 seasons. Finley has played 164 games with 40 goals, 44 assists, 84 points, and a plus 13.

Overall, Finley is currently in his 2nd NHL season. Finley has played 23 games with 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, and a plus 3.

Finley was drafted by the Lightning in the 2nd-round (57th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. Finley is the son of former Blues defenseman Jeff Finley. Finley's dad played 6 seasons with the Blues (1999-2004). Jack was also born in St. Louis. 

Finley could have upside in him he gets ice time. Finley had trouble getting ice time with the Lightning.

St. Louis Cardinals claim Bryan Ramos

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed third baseman Bryan Ramos off of waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Ramos, 23, hit .167 with 1 run, 2 hits, 2 doubles, 2 RBI's, and 4 walks with the Chicago White Sox in 2025. 

In Triple-A Charlotte, Ramos hit .216 with 60 runs, 80 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 51 RBI's, 13 stolen bases, and 42 walks in 2025. The stolen bases tied a career high from 2021. 

Ramos had his best season in 2022, combined between High-A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham. That season, Ramos hit .266 with 72 runs, 123 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, 22 home runs, 86 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 45 walks. The batting average, runs, hits, home runs, and RBI's were all career highs for Ramos. 

In 2021, with Single-A Kannapolis, Ramos had career highs in doubles (23), triples (6), and walks (51).

Ramos had his best MLB season in 2024. That season, Ramos hit .202 with 13 runs, 20 hits, 4 doubles, 3 home runs, 11 RBI's, and 7 walks. 

Overall, in the MLB, Ramos has played 2 seasons. Ramos has played 36 games with 14 runs, 22 hits, 6 doubles, 3 home runs, 13 RBI's, 7 walks, and a .198 batting average.

Overall, in the minors, Ramos has played 6 seasons. Ramos has played 560 games with 324 runs, 521 hits, 97 doubles, 11 triples, 80 home runs, 314 RBI's, 42 stolen bases, 226 walks, and a .249 batting average. 

Could there be higher potential in Ramos? Ramos ranked as the White Sox 3rd-best prospect in 2024. 

Ramos hits right-handed, which could help him if he does well in spring training. Ramos is out of minor league options. 

St. Louis Cardinals trade Brendan Donovan

The St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, and Tampa Bay Rays have completed a three-team trade. The Cardinals are sending second baseman/leftfielder Brendan Donovan to the Mariners. The Mariners are sending starting pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, outfielder Tai Peete, and a competitive balance round B draft pick (no.68 overall) to the Cardinals. The Rays are sending outfielder Colton Ledbetter, and a competitive balance round B draft pick (no.72 overall) to the Cardinals. The Mariners are sending third baseman Ben Williamson to the Rays. 

Donovan, 29, hit .287 with 64 runs, 132 hits, 32 doubles, 10 home runs, 50 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 42 walks in 2025. Donovan also was an All-Star for the 1st time in his career in 2025. 

Donovan won a Gold Glove Award in 2022. 

Donovan had his best season in 2024. That season, Donovan hit .278 with 65 runs, 163 hits, 34 doubles, 3 triples, 14 home runs, 73 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and 47 walks. The runs hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI's, and walks were all career highs for Donovan. The stolen bases tied a career high from 2024 for Donovan. 

Overall, Donovan has played 4 MLB seasons. Donovan has played 492 games with 241 runs, 498 hits, 97 doubles, 5 triples, 40 home runs, 202 RBI's, 15 stolen bases, 182 walks, and a .282 batting average. 

Cijntje, 22, was 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA, 26 games, 23 starts, 108.1 innings, 120 strikeouts, 51 walks, and a whip of 1.22 combined between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas in 2025. 

Cijntje is a switch-pitcher (can throw both left-handed and right-handed). 

Cijntje ranked as the Mariners' 7th-best prospect. 

Overall, Cijntje has played 1 minor league season.

Peete, 20, hit .217 with 58 runs, 103 hits, 24 doubles, 19 home runs, 63 RBI's, 25 stolen bases, and 46 walks with High-A Everett in 2025. The home runs were career highs for Peete. 

Peete had his best season in 2024, with Single-A Modesto. That season, Peete hit .269 with 72 runs, 126 hits, 26 doubles, 9 triples, 7 home runs, 71 RBI's, 45 stolen bases, and 55 walks. The runs, hits, doubles, triples, RBI's, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for Peete.

Peete ranked as the Mariners' 11th-best prospect. 

Overall, Peete has played 3 minor league seasons. Peete has played 265 games with 141 runs, 257 hits, 54 doubles, 14 triples, 28 home runs, 154 RBI's, 76 stolen bases, 111 walks, and a .247 batting average.

Ledbetter, 24, hit .265 with 67 runs, 123 hits, 24 doubles, 4 triples, 7 home runs, 49 RBI's, 37 stolen bases, and 51 walks with Double-A Montgomery in 2025. The runs, hits, doubles, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for Ledbetter. 

In 2024, with High-A Bowling Green, Ledbetter had career highs in triples (6), home runs (16), and RBI's (65).

Ledbetter ranked as the Rays' 24th-best prospect. 

Overall, Ledbetter has played 3 minor league seasons. Ledbetter has played 253 games with 142 runs, 251 hits, 53 doubles, 10 triples, 25 home runs, 126 RBI's, 74 stolen bases, 99 walks, and a .269 batting average. 

 

Williamson, 25, hit .253 with 36 runs, 70 hits, 13 doubles, 1 home run, 21 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and 15 walks in 2025. Willamson made his MLB debut on April 15, 2025, at Great American Ball Park against the Cincinnati Reds.

Overall, Williamson has played 1 MLB season.

The Cardinals get a pretty good haul of prospects in return for Donovan. Cijntje could end up either as a starting pitcher or reliever. The Cardinals also now have 6 draft picks in this year's MLB draft in the top 100. 

It's good to see Donovan join a team that is ready to win. Donovan should be a good addition for the Mariners lineup.  

St. Louis Blues re-sign Logan Mailloux

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Logan Mailloux to a one-year contract extension, worth $850,000. Mailloux, 22, currently has played 31 games with 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, and a -21 in 2025-2026. The games are a career high for Mailloux. 

Mailloux had his best season in 2024-2025, with the Montreal Canadiens. That season, Mailloux played 7 games with 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, and -5. 

Overall, Mailloux is currently in his 3rd NHL season. Mailloux has played 39 games with 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, and -25.

St. Louis Cardinals trade Nolan Arenado

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded third baseman Nolan Arenado, and $31 million to the Arizona Diamondbacks for starting pitcher Jack Martinez. Arenado, 34, hit .237 with 48 runs, 95 hits, 18 doubles, 1 triple, 12 home runs, 52 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 28 walks in 2025. 

Arenado has been an All-Star 8 times: (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023). Arenado has won the Gold Glove Award 10 times: (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022). Arenado has won the Silver Slugger Award 5 times: (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022). Arenado has led the NL in home runs 3 times: (2015, 2016, and 2018). Arenado has also led the NL in RBI's 2 times: (2015 and 2016). 

Arenado had his best season in 2015, with the Colorado Rockies. That season, Arenado hit .287 with 97 runs, 177 hits, 43 doubles, 4 triples, 42 home runs, 130 RBI's, 2 stolen bases, and 34 walks. The doubles and home runs were both career highs for Arenado. 

In 2016, Arenado had career highs in both runs (116) and RBI's (133). 

Arenado had career highs in both hits (187) and triples (7) in 2017.

In 2018, Arenado had a career high (73) walks. 

Arenado had a career high (5) stolen bases in 2022. 

Overall, Arenado has played 13 MLB seasons. Arenado has played 1,787 games with 992 runs, 1,921 hits, 405 doubles, 34 triples, 353 home runs, 1,184 RBI's, 31 stolen bases, 577 walks, and a .282 batting average. 

Martinez, 22, was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 8th round (243rd overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Arizona State University. Martinez was 6-4 with a 5.94 ERA, 15 games, 15 starts, 77.1 innings, 110 strikeouts, and 33 walks in 2025. The starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Martinez. 

Overall, Martinez has played 4 college seasons. Martinez is 20-8 with a 4.76 ERA, 75 games, 28 starts, 2 saves, 223.1 innings, 287 strikeouts, and 122 walks. 

Martinez can reach 97 miles per hour with his fastball and also had a solid changeup. Martinez also throws a slider (low-80's) and a curve. 

The Diamondbacks get a future Hall of Famer in Arenado. The Cardinals are able to get rid of Arenado's contract, while getting something in return. The Cardinals weren't going to get much of anything bigger for Arenado because he seems to be on the decline. Arenado had a no-trade clause, too, so he controlled which teams he'd approve a trade to. Arenado hasn't been good the last couple of seasons. Arenado also seems to have lost his power. 

In Martinez, the Cardinals get a pitcher who has potential to be a starting pitcher or a reliever. Martinez seems to get strikeouts, too. Will Martinez develop into something bigger? No one knows. But he's an interesting pitcher who could have upside. It's nice to see the Cardinals are getting lots of pitching depth this offseason. 

St. Louis Cardinals sign Ryne Stanek

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed RHP Ryne Stanek to a one-year contract, worth $3.5 million. The contract includes a team option for 2027, worth $6 million. Stanek, 34, was 4-6 with a 5.30 ERA, 65 games, 11 holds, 3 saves, 56 innings, 58 strikeouts, 32 walks, and a whip of 1.57 with the New York Mets in 2025.

Stanek had his best season in 2021, with the Houston Astros. That season, Stanek was 3-5 with a 3.42 ERA, 72 games, 21 holds, 2 saves, 68.1 innings, 83 strikeouts, 37 walks, and a whip of 1.21. The games and holds were both career highs for Stanek.

In 2018, with the Tampa Bay Rays, Stanek had a career high (29) starts. 

Stanek had career highs in innings (77) and strikeouts (89) in 2019, combined between the Rays and Miami Marlins.

In 2022, Stanek helped the Astros win the World Series. 

Stanek had career highs in both wins (7) and saves (7) in 2024, combined between the Seattle Mariners and Mets.

Overall, Stanek has played 9 MLB seasons. Stanek is 21-23 with a 3.85 ERA, 466 games, 56 starts, 89 holds, 14 saves, 458.1 innings, 531 strikeouts, 232 walks, and a whip of 1.32.

Stanek could be a good addition for the Cardinals' bullpen if they can help him get back on track. Stanek hasn't been good the past couple of seasons. Stanek can reach 98.5 miles per hour with his fastball. Stanek also had a good slider, which had a 45% whiff in 2025.

The Cardinals have had success in the last two seasons with similar relievers (RHP Andrew Kittredge and RHP Phil Maton).

Stanek is reunited with Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Bloom drafted Stanek in the 1st round (29th overall) in the June 2013 MLB Draft.

St. Louis Blues Extend Philip Broberg

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Philip Broberg to a six-year contract extension, worth $48 million. Broberg, 24, currently has played 45 games with 2 goals, 12 assists, and 14 points in 2025-2026.

Broberg had his best season in 2024-2025. That season, Broberg played 68 games with 8 goals, 21 assists, 29 points, and a plus 21. The games, goals, assists, points, and plus mark were all career highs for Broberg. 

Overall, Broberg is currently in his 5th NHL season. Broberg has played 194 games with 12 goals, 44 assists, 56 points, and a plus 16. In the playoffs, Broberg has played 27 games with 3 goals, 2 assists, 5 points, and a plus 20. 

Broberg would have been a restricted free agent after the season. It's great to see the Blues sign Broberg to long-term contract. 

Do the Blues re-sign center Dylan Holloway to a long-term contract next? Holloway can be a restricted free agent after the season. 

St. Louis Blues re-sign Alexey Toropchenko

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed right wing Alexey Toropchenko to a two-year contract extension, worth $5 million. Toropchenko, 26, currently has played 27 games with 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points, and a -5 in 2025-2026. 

Toropchenko had his best season in 2023-2024. That season, Toropchenko played 82 games with 14 goals, 7 assists, 21 points, and a -3. The games, goals, and points were all career highs for Toropchenko. 

In 2024-2025, Toropchenko had a career high (14) assists. 

Overall, Toropchenko is currently in his 5th NHL season. Toropchenko has played 286 games with 32 goals, 33 assists, 65 points, and -12. In the playoffs, Toropchenko has played 19 games with 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points, and a plus 9. 

Toropchenko would have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026. 

Toropchenko has developed into a solid fourth-line player for the Blues.