Who should be the Cardinals’ next Kyle Leahy?

Even though Leahy (and myself) are bummed out by the truncated appearances, the strategy makes sense as the 29-year-old looks to be a mainstay in the rotation next season. This season has been similar to that of Andre Pallante's last season, as the newly formed starter saw his innings jump up after a full-time move from the bullpen. It worked for Pallante, who threw 162.2 innings last season after throwing 121.1 the year before. In his second full year as a starter, Pallante trimmed almost two full points off of his ERA and doubled his win total from 2025.

The 2027 rotation has an early make up of Pallante, Leahy, Quinn Mathews, and then…? Who fills those final two (or three) spots could vary greatly over the next six months. Hunter Dobbins looked to be penciled in but he awaits an update on a forearm issue that landed him on the IL. Matthew Liberatore has a few more starts to work himself back into the conversation, and then there is the rehabbing Richard Fitts to factor in alongside additional prospects or free agent signings.

With that list of possibilities looking uninspiring, the 2027 season could be another year we see a Wainwright/Liberatore/Pallante/Leahy move with one of the Cardinals' current bullpen options.