With the St. Louis Cardinals seemingly in a holding pattern this offseason, right-hander Erick Fedde’s future could be up for grabs if they decide to move him at the trade deadline. Mark Axis of CBS Sports notes that while relievers will likely dominate the trade market, Fedde could emerge as a top non-Sandy Alcantara starter available. With a reasonable $7.5 million salary and proven success, he’s an appealing option for contenders. The Cardinals are in a “reset” phase, and with no significant additions, Fedde could be a valuable piece moved at the deadline. Teams like the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves, are expected to show interest in the right-hander.
The Yankees, who are dealing with pitching injuries, may look to add a reliable starter for depth. Meanwhile, the Braves, with a solid rotation but a need for depth, could also see Fedde as a cost-effective option to reinforce their postseason hopes.
Erick Fedde Could Be Top Starter Moved
The Yankees are facing a tough spring with pitching setbacks. Gerrit Cole will miss the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil is out for at least three months with a lat strain. New York signed Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal. Manager Aaron Boone named Carlos Rodón for Game 1 and Fried for Game 2. Marcus Stroman, who was out of options weeks ago, is expected to be secure in the rotation, but Clarke Schmidt’s start is in jeopardy due to shoulder soreness.
The final spot in the Yankees’ rotation is a battle between veteran Carlos Carrasco and rookie Will Warren. Carrasco has an opt-out clause on March 22, which could trigger his release if he doesn’t secure a roster spot. Allan Winans would likely step in as the sixth starter if Carrasco leaves. Warren could be sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre but would be the first called-up in case of another injury, adding further uncertainty to the Yankees’ already injury-prone rotation.
Before and after his trade to St. Louis, Fedde posted a 126 ERA+ and 3.86 FIP, contributing to a 5.6 bWAR. His $7.5 million price stage could be appealing to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, who’s been cautious about utilizing the team’s financial resources. With Cole’s absence and Gil’s return from injury, Fedde’s affordability and solid performance make him a sensible rental for the Yankees, providing much-needed stability to their rotation.
Braves Rotation: A Potential Powerhouse with Postseason Hopes
The Braves’ rotation is shaping up to be a formidable force, with Chris Sale joining veteran Reynaldo López and promising arms like Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes. Holmes and Ian Anderson, both out of options, are vying for spots, but once Spencer Strider returns in late April, one may shift to the bullpen. Strider’s return to a rotation that includes Sale gives Atlanta a significant boost as they aim to maintain a strong pitching presence for the season ahead.
Fedde’s 177 1/3 innings last season make him an attractive option for teams like the Braves. Atlanta needs additional depth in their rotation through a trade. Fedde’s ability to cover innings and keep teams in games could be a critical asset with the Braves looking to bolster its postseason push. While rental starts often come with a high cost, acquiring Fedde could provide the Braves with the stability they need to make a serious run after the Wild Card Series exit.
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