The Cardinals have expressed “strong interest” in White Sox right-hander Erick Fedde, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Fedde is one of several controllable players the White Sox are making available this summer, alongside breakout left-hander Garrett Crochet and star center fielder Luis Robert Jr.
At 31, Fedde might not have the star power of Crochet or Robert, but he remains a highly attractive option this summer. Once a top-100 prospect in the late 2010s, Fedde struggled in the majors after debuting with the Nationals in 2017. Over six seasons with the Nationals, he posted a 5.41 ERA in 102 appearances, including 88 starts. Fedde then spent time in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he thrived. In an MVP-caliber season for the NC Dinos, he recorded a stellar 2.00 ERA over 180 1/3 innings, with a 29.5% strikeout rate.
His success in Korea led to renewed interest from MLB teams, and the White Sox signed him to a two-year, $15 million deal this winter. This season, Fedde has been impressive, with a 2.99 ERA and 3.53 FIP over 111 1/3 innings. His 21.6% strikeout rate and 6.6% walk rate are both among his career bests, and he has improved significantly in limiting home runs compared to his Nationals days.
Fedde’s strong performance and affordable $7.5 million contract for 2025 make him a valuable target for teams in need of pitching depth. For the Cardinals, who have struggled with their rotation, Fedde’s addition could be a game-changer. With Steven Matz sidelined since late April and inconsistent results from other starters, adding Fedde could bolster their rotation significantly.
Despite rotation issues, the Cardinals are currently in the NL Wild Card race with a 52-47 record and only five games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. A proven, playoff-caliber starter like Fedde would enhance their postseason chances and strengthen their rotation for a potential Wild Card series. Additionally, Fedde’s extra year of team control makes him a particularly appealing option for a team facing potential free agency losses among their veteran pitchers.