During the start of August, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed relief pitcher Jorge Alcala off waivers. This was now his third team this season, as he started the year with the Minnesota Twins before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in the middle of June.
He has had limited opportunities since arriving in St. Louis, pitching in just 6.2 innings. During that stretch, he has held a 2.70 ERA with six strikeouts, which is not bad, but he has regressed this season.
The regression, mixed alongside this, being the final year of arbitration, does not make him a likely candidate to stick around next season. Red Birds Rants' Stephen Parello argues the club should release him before the season comes to a close.
"The regression in 2025, combined with him entering his final year of arbitration, makes him an expandable middle innings piece. St. Louis can find an arm to fill those innings with either more upside or a cheaper price tag next season. Therefore, it makes sense to get a jump on that search and cut Alcala loose before the end of the season."
Cardinals could get a closer look at their prospects with Jorge Alcala gone
The Cardinals have plenty of exciting pitching prospects that are nearing their MLB debuts. Cutting ties with Jorge Alcala would open up a spot for one of them to slide in and get a taste of big-league action.
Tink Hence could be one of the options if Alcala gets the boot. He is expected to be called up next season, and many are excited to see his potential on the bump. Another option the team could go with is Cooper Hjerpe, who was a Golden Spikes finalist for Oregon State in 2022.