Cardinals Offseason: Could Jose Urquidy Be a Future Rotation Piece?

The St. Louis Cardinals have had a lackluster offseason, making no major moves to improve their MLB roster. Fans have grown frustrated as the team appears focused on trimming payroll rather than making impactful additions.

Unless the Cardinals pull off a blockbuster trade involving Nolan Arenado, a significant free-agent signing remains unlikely. However, if they do move Arenado, one potential target could be right-hander José Urquidy.

Could St. Louis Target Urquidy for 2026?

Chad Jennings of The Athletic suggested that the Cardinals could pursue Urquidy on a two-year deal, despite the fact that the right-hander is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will likely miss most of 2025.

🗣️ Jennings wrote:
“If the Cardinals are going to keep their focus on the future, we’ll do the same and take a look at a two-year deal with a guy recovering from Tommy John surgery. Urquidy probably won’t help much this season, but he could give the Cardinals a leg up in their search for 2026 rotation depth.”

With rotation questions looming beyond 2025, signing Urquidy could give St. Louis a low-risk, high-reward option for the future.

Urquidy’s Track Record & Potential Impact

📊 José Urquidy Career Stats:
✅ 27-16 record
✅ 3.98 ERA over 70 starts & 9 relief appearances
✅ One career save

Urquidy last pitched in 2023, where he was limited to 16 appearances (10 starts), posting a 3-3 record with a 5.29 ERA before requiring Tommy John surgery.

While he likely won’t be available until late 2025 or 2026, the Cardinals could benefit from adding a veteran arm to stabilize their future rotation—especially if they trade Arenado and commit to a long-term rebuild.

What’s Next for St. Louis?

It remains to be seen whether the Cardinals will make any notable moves before the season begins. While they have young pitching talent rising through the ranks, securing a low-cost veteran like Urquidy could provide depth and insurance down the line.

If St. Louis stays focused on the future, this is a move that could make long-term sense—even if it doesn’t excite fans right now.