Cardinals Trade for Justin Bruihl, Assign Zak Kent for Release
The St. Louis Cardinals have completed a trade to acquire left-hander Justin Bruihl from the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations. This announcement marks a notable move for the Cardinals as they continue to rebuild their roster.
Details of the Trade
- Player Acquired: Justin Bruihl
- Trade Partner: Cleveland Guardians
- Compensation: Cash considerations
- Current Age: 29 (turning in June)
Bruihl’s Recent History
Before joining the Cardinals, Bruihl was designated for assignment by the Guardians last month. Previously, he was part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster but was removed after they signed right-hander Tyler Rogers.
Cleveland had briefly held Bruihl but designated him for assignment three days later after signing pitcher Shawn Armstrong. Although designated for assignment, he experienced a prolonged wait in this limbo due to holiday rules, lasting nearly three weeks.
Performance Insights
Bruihl has had several seasons of experience in the majors. In 2025, he pitched a total of 89 2/3 innings across teams including the Dodgers, Rockies, and Blue Jays. Although he posted a 5.27 earned run average (ERA) in the big leagues, his strikeout rate of 27.7% and a ground ball rate of 46.2% were indicators of potential.
Triple-A Performance
In addition to his major league appearances, Bruihl excelled in Triple-A last year, recording:
- Innings Pitched: 42
- ERA: 3.43
- Strikeout Rate: 27.8%
- Walk Rate: 9.1%
- Ground Ball Rate: 58.4%
Impact on the Cardinals’ Roster
The Cardinals are currently restructuring their bullpen. JoJo Romero serves as the top left-handed reliever, but he is nearing free agency. If traded, it could open up opportunities for Bruihl alongside Nick Raquet, who recently made his major league debut.
Bruihl’s move to the Cardinals offers him a chance to secure more playing time in the major leagues. With one year and 112 days of service time, he remains five years away from free agency, making him an affordable option for the rebuilding team.
The Cardinals may consider signing veterans as the season approaches, but acquiring Bruihl could be a strategic step toward enhancing their bullpen depth as they head into 2026.
