St. Louis Cardinals: Carlos Martinez back to the rotation?

The St. Louis Cardinals will enter 2020 with myriad options for their pitching staff and virtually nothing set. There are currently a couple of pitchers – who spent last season as relievers – and currently hovering between the rotation and bullpen. The most prominent of which is undoubtedly Carlos Martinez.

Once heralded as the rightful heir to the top of the St. Louis Cardinals rotation, taking the spot once held by Adam Wainwright as their ace, Carlos Martinez had fallen short. This has not been completely due to ability, the 28-year-old Dominican right-hander’s right arm has failed him exceedingly over the last two seasons.

After completing three consecutive campaigns of over 175 innings pitched and WAR marks above 3.0, he has not even approached the 150 innings plateau since. His injury-plagued seasons of 2018 and 2019 forced him into the bullpen, where he provided admirable relief and a rather successful cameo as a closer.

Reasonably, one might presume that the current status quo might be preserved due to such success and the unfortunate loss of the flamethrowing Jordan Hicks to injury with the most hopeful prognosis slating him for a midseason return. The loss of Michael Wacha over the offseason has set up the Cardinals to easily transition one of many impressive pitchers in their bullpen to a starting role.

Closer’s role is currently undetermined, as for at least the first half of the season the role is vacant. Some clear options would Giovanny Gallegos or John Gant, both of whom were reliable set-up men for first Hicks and then Martinez in 2019. The revelation that was Ryan Helsley – boasting a 2.95 over 36 innings – will allow either Alex Reyes or Martinez to easily step into the rotation.

Along with Andrew Miller, John Brebbia, Gant, and Gallegos; Helsley provides the requisite depth to an impressive bullpen corps. It is particularly important for St. Louis because their rotation can sometimes lack depth and length, with the likes of Wainwright not always able to pitch deep into games.

It has yet to be seen what role the newly-acquired Kwang-Hyun Kim will play for the Cardinals, however, he delivers a significant left-handed presence that is sorely missed in their rotation. Similarly, Kim might allow Martinez to remain in the closer’s role for the first three or so months of the season.

The locks for the rotation at the moment are Jack Flaherty, Miles Mikolas, Dakota Hudson, and Wainwright. At the same time, Kim or Martinez would slot into this role very nicely. However, there is no guarantee that Martinez will have the health to last an entire season. Therefore, Kim could easily take the final rotation spot and Martinez could remain an asset in the bullpen.

For now, the St. Louis Cardinals have prepared for a number of different possibilities and injuries. It is only a matter of time for these to be determined, as even though Martinez is healthy, he still may be the most talented closer on the roster. Upon the return of Hicks, he might be able to fit back into the rotation.

Overall, nothing can be determined as of now, as that is the role of Spring Training.