Updating earlier reports, the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year contract with 28-year-old right-hander Dustin May, ranked the 36th-best free agent. The injury-resilient pitcher offers low-risk upside to a rotation in need of depth.
Initial reports from December 13, including ESPN's Jeff Passan, detailed the agreement—pending a physical—with a mutual option for 2027. The 6-foot-6 May split 2025 between the Dodgers and Red Sox, logging a career-high 132 1/3 innings over 25 games (23 starts) with a 7-11 record, 4.96 ERA, and 123 strikeouts. Acquired by Boston at the deadline, he posted a 5.40 ERA in six outings amid forearm soreness.
A former Dodgers top prospect who debuted in 2019 and helped win the 2020 World Series, May's career (2.93 ERA early) has been derailed by Tommy John surgery (2021), flexor tendon work, and an esophageal tear. Limited to 20 starts from 2021-2024, his arsenal—featuring a sweeper (16.9 inches break), sinker (18.9 inches arm-side), four-seamer, cutter from a low slot—intrigues St. Louis.
The Cardinals, with a full 40-man roster, must clear space. President Chaim Bloom seeks rotation help post-Sonny Gray trade (for Richard Fitts), pairing May with youngsters like Matthew Liberatore and Andre Pallante. This high-reward signing allows evaluation for a 2026 extension or trade if he rebounds.
