The St. Louis Cardinals are currently facing a shortage in starting pitching depth, but the recent addition of former Cleveland Guardians starter could provide some much-needed support.
The team officially announced the signing on Friday. While many fans may remember Plesac for his early success in Cleveland, he has had difficulty holding down a consistent role in a Major League rotation in recent seasons. And for those frustrated by yet another midseason signing of a struggling starter — it’s worth noting that players like Plesac are often the only ones available at this stage of the season.
Plesac, now 30, brings valuable connections to the Cardinals’ revamped front office and adds crucial depth. He made his MLB debut with the Guardians in 2019, posting a solid 3.81 ERA in 21 starts. His best season came in 2020, when he recorded a 2.28 ERA across eight starts during the shortened season, suggesting he could be a fixture in Cleveland’s rotation for years.
Though his 2021 and 2022 seasons weren’t outstanding, Plesac still logged 49 starts and over 270 innings with a 4.49 ERA and a comparable 4.59 FIP — largely thanks to limiting walks and inducing soft contact, qualities that the Cardinals likely find appealing.
Plesac’s acquisition appears to be more than just a depth move — it’s also tied to new leadership within the Cardinals’ front office. Assistant GM Rob Cerfolio, who previously spent a decade with the Guardians overseeing player development, worked closely with Plesac. Larry Day, the Cardinals’ new director of player development, also has history with him from his time in Cleveland.
Despite Plesac’s recent struggles — he was released by Cleveland after five rough outings in 2023 and had a rocky stint with the Angels in 2024 (8.25 ERA in three starts) — he’s shown signs of a rebound. Most recently, he pitched for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League, where he posted a 2.84 ERA and nearly struck out a batter per inning.
Given his track record and experience, Plesac could be a valuable fallback option for the Cardinals. While their MLB rotation has stayed relatively healthy, the depth beyond it is thin. With top pitching prospects like Quinn Mathews and Tink Hence sidelined due to injury, and others like Tekoah Roby still developing or already shut down for the year, Plesac gives the team an experienced arm they can turn to without feeling like they’re rushing a prospect or punting a game.
This is the Cardinals’ second pitching depth move this week, having also signed lefty reliever Tyler Matzek to a minor league deal. Both pitchers will report to Triple-A Memphis and could work their way into the big league roster as the season progresses.