The starting pitching of the St. Louis Cardinals has been a sticking point throughout 2025. Their starters rank 21st in the league in team ERA, at 4.30, and their longtime pitch-to-contact mantra has placed them second from the bottom in strikeout rate, at 7.53 K’s per nine innings. One of the poster children for President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak’s longtime thirst for pitchers who elicit weak contact is Michael McGreevy, whom the Cardinals grabbed in the first round of the 2021 draft.
Although strikeouts aren’t McGreevy’s bread and butter – his strikeout rate of 5.55 per nine innings places him fourth-lowest among starters with at least 80 innings pitched – he has been among the most reliable starters for the cardinals this season, and part of that is due to a strange quirk that few other pitchers exhibit.
McGreevy pitches more effectively after multiple turns through the batting order.
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starting pitchers have quicker hooks than ever these days, and the risk of pitching to hitters a third time is well documented as hitters get a better idea of what the pitcher will throw. The stats back it up: Batters throughout the league have a .707 OPS against starters in their first plate appearances against them, a .729 OPS in the second go-around,and a .758 OPS if they face that starter a third time.
Zack McGreevy: Cardinals’ Promising Pitcher Poised for 2026 Rotation
Zack McGreevy, a right-handed pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals institution, is rapidly ascending through the minor leagues and is increasingly projected to be a key part of the Cardinals’ starting rotation in 2026. His unique pitching style – prioritizing contact early in games and relying on strikeouts when necessary – presents both opportunities and challenges, but recent performances suggest he could be a valuable asset for a team in desperate need of pitching depth.
McGreevy’s Pitching Style: A Contrarian approach
McGreevy’s approach to pitching is somewhat unconventional in the modern game, which increasingly favors maximizing strikeouts. Reports indicate he appears to prefer inducing contact earlier in games, potentially to conserve energy. This strategy carries inherent risk, as hitters often perform better the first time they face a pitcher. Indeed, data suggests batters have historically had inflated statistics against him during their initial at-bat.
Recent Successes and Rising Stock
Despite the potential drawbacks of his approach,McGreevy has demonstrated significant success. His most recent start, where he pitched seven innings allowing only three hits and no runs, highlighted his capabilities. This performance further solidified his position as a strong contender for a spot in the Cardinals’ future plans.
cardinals’ Pitching Needs and McGreevy’s Opportunity
The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a significant need for starting pitching heading into the 2026 season. Several key pitchers are either nearing the end of their contracts or have demonstrated inconsistency. This creates a clear pathway for McGreevy to earn a rotation spot.
Cardinals’ Current Pitching Situation (as of November 2023)
As of November 2023, the Cardinals’ starting rotation is in a state of flux. MLB.com reports that the Cardinals are actively seeking to bolster their pitching staff this offseason. While veterans like Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn have been part of the rotation, their long-term futures with the team are uncertain. The development of young arms like McGreevy is therefore crucial.
McGreevy’s Minor League performance
Prior to his recent strong start, mcgreevy has consistently performed well in the minor leagues. In 2023, split between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, he posted a combined ERA of 3.89 across 24 starts. His MiLB stats demonstrate a developing pitcher with the potential for further improvement. He has shown a good ability to limit walks and keep the ball in the ballpark, key attributes for a successful major league starter.
Looking Ahead: Replicating Success and Becoming a valuable Commodity
The key to McGreevy’s success will be his ability to consistently replicate the positive results he’s shown recently. If he can refine his approach, manage the risks associated with pitching to contact, and continue to develop his command, he has the potential to become a valuable and reliable starting pitcher for the Cardinals for years to come.his development is a critical component of the Cardinals’ plan to contend in the National league.