The St. Louis Cardinals tore down their roster this past offseason, trading away all of their veterans in an attempt to build a younger roster for the future. They made two trades with the Boston Red Sox, one of which involved first baseman Willson Contreras.
In exchange, the Cardinals acquired right-hander Hunter Dobbins and two prospects. Dobbins missed much of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL.
Dobbins has made some progress towards a return. However, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that he wasn’t quite ready to return to action.
“Hunter Dobbins, RHP, will start the year on the injured list (IL),” Goold posted on X. “He had a solid five innings on the back fields Saturday. He’s recovering from knee surgery, will soon be cleared for complete fielding of his position.”
Fortunately for the Cardinals, Dobbins has made some progress since his 2025 season was cut short. When he gets healthy, he should be a key piece for the Cardinals’ rotation.
They needed young, cost-controlled starting pitching this past offseason, and they acquired a lot of it in the trades they made. Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA last season in 11 starts and two relief appearances with Boston.
This season will be one in which the Cardinals prioritize rebuilding instead of contending, and the 26-year-old right-hander could be a big factor in their future plans once he comes off the injured list. He will join outfielder Lars Nootbaar on the IL to start the season.
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