TORONTO, ON - APRIL 06: Josh Fleming #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Monday, April 6, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Michael Chisholm/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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The St. Louis Cardinals have several important decisions to make as they continue working toward a return to contention in 2027. After showing encouraging signs during a rebuilding season, the organization will have to determine how aggressively to pursue outside additions while continuing to develop its younger players.

Pitching depth figures to be an important part of that process, particularly with the Cardinals considering whether to add another experienced starting pitcher this offseason.

“Even with fewer available rotation spots — it would seem Michael McGreevy, Andre Pallante, Kyle Leahy and Quinn Mathews should have a good claim on four of them — the Cardinals may be in the market for a … free-agent starter this year,” Will Leitch noted for MLB.com.

The Cardinals have already made another move to strengthen their pitching inventory, turning to a familiar left-hander who previously spent time in their organization after a brief opportunity with the Toronto Blue Jays.

St Louis Cardinals Reunite With Toronto Blue Jays Castoff

“The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed Webster University alum Josh Fleming to a minor-league deal,” the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold reported. “The lefty will provide depth for the rotation. Fleming, 30, from Bridgeton, appeared with Toronto in the majors last season and made six starts for Class AAA Memphis after signing with Cardinals.”

Fleming originally joined the Blue Jays on a minor league contract before earning a brief opportunity in the major leagues. However, his time with the Blue Jays did not last long enough to establish himself as a regular option on their pitching staff.

“Fleming began the season on a minor league contract with the Blue Jays and earned the briefest of MLB calls in early April,” Anthony Franco noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “He tossed three innings of four-run ball against the Dodgers on April 6 and was designated for assignment one day later.”

Fleming subsequently returned to the minor leagues and eventually landed with St. Louis, where he made six starts for Triple-A Memphis after signing with the organization in August.

Former Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Josh Fleming Gives St Louis Cardinals More Depth

The 30-year-old left-hander now has another opportunity to remain with the organization heading into spring training. His minor league contract does not guarantee him a spot in the major league rotation, but it gives St. Louis another experienced option to consider as it evaluates its pitching staff.

The Cardinals are likely to pursue a more established starter through free agency or the trade market. However, retaining Fleming provides additional organizational depth without requiring a major financial commitment.

For a team attempting to build toward its next competitive window, bringing back a familiar local product represents another relatively low-risk offseason decision.