As fantasy baseball draft season kicks off, those looking to fill their pitching slots late face both risk and reward. Late-round pitchers often come with questions—whether it’s control issues or injury histories—but they can provide significant upside. Securing players with stable WHIP stats without compromising on potential is key. Pitchers like Mitch Keller and Erick Fedde show promise, delivering good ratios and the potential for breakout performance.

With Keller showcasing a solid bounce-back in mid-season, recognized for his strikeout potential, and Fedde's steadiness in the lower-tier clubs, they both appear to be solid late picks. Similarly, Kris Bubic, despite injury setbacks, has an arsenal capable of generating strikeouts, and Dustin May’s potential could yield long-term rewards. Choosing wisely from this pool could enhance your fantasy lineup.

The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be considering trading starting pitcher Erick Fedde, who was acquired last year. Rival executives suggest the team may engage in discussions to offload him in a bid to trim payroll, particularly to open a spot for promising young pitcher Michael McGreevy. While Fedde, now 32, has had a mixed career, he showed improvement after returning from a season in Korea, finishing with a 7-4 record with the White Sox before being dealt to the Cardinals. With the Cardinals' outlook for the season not as competitive, the organization may prioritize financial flexibility and youth development.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox are actively engaged in discussions regarding potential trades, with Nolan Arenado initially considered as a target for the Red Sox. However, after Boston signed Alex Bregman, the likelihood of Arenado joining Boston appears slim. Instead, a hypothetical trade proposed by FanSided's Zach Pressnell involves the Red Sox acquiring pitchers Ryan Helsley and Erick Fedde, while sending first baseman Triston Casas to the Cardinals. Helsley, who led the league in saves last season, could fit seamlessly into Boston's bullpen, potentially replacing Kenley Jansen. Meanwhile, Fedde would bolster the Red Sox rotation, which is in need of experienced depth due to current injuries. While trading Casas has been a topic of speculation, this proposed deal remains theoretical at this stage.

The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a puzzling offseason, having spoken about a potential organizational reset, yet little has changed from their 83-win season in 2024. Major roster alterations are lacking, with Paul Goldschmidt and Andrew Kittredge departing in free agency, alongside the rejection of club options for Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. Amidst swirling trade rumors, no significant moves have materialized.

ESPN's Jeff Passan highlighted that the Cardinals' inactivity has caught other teams off guard, especially with usually active franchises like the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins also struggling to finalize trades. Despite Nolan Arenado being a prime candidate for trade, he, along with other rumored players such as Steven Matz, Erick Fedde, and Ryan Helsley, remains on the roster.

The Cleveland Guardians are actively seeking to enhance their starting pitching staff ahead of the 2025 season, with analysts advocating for the addition of veteran pitchers. The escalating costs in the market make a trade the most viable option for the Guardians, who are reportedly interested in St. Louis Cardinals pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz.

According to John Denton, a beat reporter for MLB.com, the Guardians have made inquiries about both pitchers multiple times in recent weeks. Their interest in Fedde and Matz first surfaced in late December 2024, and Denton has reiterated the Guardians' keen interest as the offseason progresses. Fedde, who concluded the 2024 season with a strong 3.30 ERA, is seen as an ideal fit for Cleveland's rotation, while Matz's performance, hampered by injury, presents a more uncertain option.