Cardinals could target Guardians ace to bolster rotation in 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals fell below the .500 mark for the first time since June 19 on Wednesday night when they were swept by the Cincinnati Reds.

2024 seems all but lost for St. Louis, as they now sit 8 1/2 games back in the National League Central and 4 1/2 games out of the third and final Wild Card spot.

The Cardinals may soon have to turn their focus to 2025 and building the best possible team for the future.

When the offseason comes around, they could start by pursuing Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted that Bieber will sign a two-year deal at cheaper price this offseason.

The Cardinals don't typically spend big on pitchers, especially starters, but Bieber could be well within their price range.

The right-hander made just two starts with the Guardians this season before landing on the injured list and undergoing Tommy John surgery. Because of this, Bieber will not be ready to start the 2025 season.

Still, when he is healthy, he can be a true ace and is somebody that could significantly bolster the Cardinals staff and give them a chance to win in October alongside Sonny Gray.

Bieber won a Cy Young in 2020 but hasn't quite been the same pitcher since, thanks in large part to his injuries. But if he can get healthy and the Cardinals choose to sign him, he would be a welcome addition to the team's rotation.

Last season, Bieber went 6-6 with a 3.80 ERA in 21 starts. We'll see if Bieber is ultimately a target for St. Louis.

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