The St. Louis Cardinals may be in the market for additional pitching depth, and a potentially appealing option has recently become available following a roster move by the Toronto Blue Jays. The opportunity arises after the Blue Jays decided to part ways—at least temporarily—with right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold, a veteran arm who could draw interest from teams seeking low-risk reinforcements.
On Wednesday, Toronto officially designated Seabold for assignment, a move that came shortly after his brief stint with the club at the major league level. The decision was part of a corresponding roster adjustment, as the organization activated a high-profile pitcher in Max Scherzer from the injured list. (Sportsnet.ca) This transaction effectively created space on the active roster, leaving Seabold without a spot despite his recent contributions.
Seabold’s time with the Blue Jays was relatively short-lived. After being acquired earlier in the season, he made only a handful of appearances in the majors before being removed from the roster. Reports indicate he logged limited action across those outings, which ultimately wasn’t enough to secure a longer stay with the team. (Yahoo Sports) While his performance showed flashes, it appears Toronto opted to prioritize roster flexibility and experience at the top end of their pitching staff.
The official announcement from the Blue Jays was concise and direct, outlining both sides of the roster shuffle. The team confirmed that Scherzer had been reinstated from the 15-day injured list and would take the mound in that day’s game. At the same time, they revealed that Seabold had been designated for assignment, signaling a potential end to his tenure with the organization—at least for now.
For teams like St. Louis, this type of situation often presents a worthwhile opportunity. Players designated for assignment can be claimed off waivers or acquired at minimal cost, making them attractive options for clubs looking to bolster depth without making a major financial or prospect commitment.
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In Seabold’s case, his experience across multiple organizations and his ability to serve in various pitching roles could make him a useful addition, particularly for a team in need of innings.
Although Seabold has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent major league contributor, he has shown enough potential to remain on teams’ radars. His track record includes time both as a starter and a reliever, giving him a degree of versatility that many clubs value. Even if he doesn’t project as a frontline arm, he could provide stability in middle relief or act as a spot starter when needed.
For the Cardinals, who have been searching for ways to strengthen their pitching staff, taking a chance on a player like Seabold would come with very little downside. If he performs well, he could carve out a role and contribute meaningful innings. If not, the team could move on without significant consequences.
Ultimately, Seabold’s designation for assignment places him in a transitional phase of his career, but it also opens the door for another opportunity elsewhere. Whether that next stop ends up being St. Louis or another organization remains to be seen, but for teams seeking affordable pitching help, his availability certainly makes him a name to watch.
The Cardinals Should Make A Move
The St. Louis Cardinals are in a position where they should be acting aggressively on this opportunity rather than taking a wait-and-see approach. Now that Connor Seabold has been designated for assignment, the clock is already ticking. Teams across Major League Baseball have roughly a week to decide whether to submit a waiver claim for him.
If no organization steps in during that window, he could remain within the Toronto Blue Jays’ system as minor league depth or ultimately elect free agency and become available to all teams. Given those possibilities, it would be wise for St. Louis to act immediately instead of risking losing out on a potentially useful arm.
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From a financial standpoint, there is virtually no obstacle standing in the Cardinals’ way. Seabold is playing on a modest one-year deal worth around $800,000, which is essentially near the league minimum (Baseball Reference).
For a franchise like St. Louis, absorbing that salary would be insignificant and would not hinder any future roster flexibility or deadline plans. This is exactly the type of low-cost acquisition that contending teams often explore to strengthen their depth without making a splashy or risky investment.
Of course, placing a waiver claim is not entirely without implications. Any team that claims Seabold would need to add him to its 40-man roster, which requires careful consideration. However, this is where the Cardinals’ situation becomes relevant.
If there is room or a marginal move that can be made, Seabold represents the kind of player who is worth that roster spot, at least on a trial basis. His profile may not jump off the page, but his track record suggests he can provide innings and versatility, which are often critical over the course of a long season.
Looking at his recent performance, Seabold has delivered relatively steady results. Across 16 appearances this season split between the Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers, he has posted an earned run average in the mid-4.00 range, which aligns with the profile of a serviceable depth pitcher. (Yahoo Sports) While that number may not indicate dominance, it reflects a level of competence that can be valuable in the right role, especially for a team seeking bullpen or swingman help.
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His recent major league experience also provides additional context. During the previous season, Seabold appeared in a limited number of games and again posted an ERA in a similar range, showing some consistency in his performance. Although he has not yet emerged as a standout arm at the highest level, he has managed to remain competitive across different organizations, which suggests he can adapt and contribute when called upon.
Beyond the majors, Seabold’s body of work in the minor leagues offers further encouragement. Over more than 100 appearances in the minors, he has maintained an ERA just above 4.00, demonstrating durability and the ability to handle a variety of roles. That level of sustained performance indicates he is more than just a fringe arm; rather, he is a pitcher who can provide reliable depth and step in when needed.
One particularly intriguing aspect of his résumé is his success overseas. During a stint in the KBO League with the Samsung Lions, Seabold put together an impressive season, recording a significantly lower ERA across nearly 30 starts. That stretch showcased his ability to thrive in a starting role and handle a heavier workload, which could translate into value for an MLB team willing to give him opportunities in multiple capacities.
When evaluating Seabold as a whole, it becomes clear that his appeal lies in his flexibility and affordability. He is capable of working out of the bullpen, serving as a long reliever, or even making occasional starts if injuries arise. For a team like the Cardinals, which has experienced inconsistency in its bullpen at times this season, adding a pitcher with that kind of versatility could help stabilize the staff.
At 30 years old, Seabold is not a prospect with untapped upside, but he is also not an aging veteran on the decline. Instead, he falls into a category of players who can still provide meaningful contributions if placed in the right situation. Sometimes, these are the types of acquisitions that quietly pay dividends, particularly for teams with postseason aspirations.
It is also important to consider the broader context of the Cardinals’ roster. St. Louis does not necessarily need to make a blockbuster move or overhaul its pitching staff. The team is already competitive and has shown the ability to win consistently.
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However, even strong teams benefit from incremental improvements, especially in areas that have shown occasional weakness. The bullpen, in particular, can always use additional depth, as injuries and fatigue often take a toll over the course of a season.
By claiming Seabold, the Cardinals would be making a calculated, low-risk move that could yield meaningful rewards. If he performs well, he could carve out a role and provide valuable innings down the stretch. If he struggles, the organization can move on with minimal consequences, given the low financial commitment and the nature of waiver claims.
Another factor working in favor of making this move quickly is the competitive nature of the waiver process. Because Seabold is inexpensive and has major league experience, it is entirely possible that another team in need of pitching depth could place a claim on him. (Bluebird Banter) Waiting too long could result in missing out on a player who fits the Cardinals’ needs, even if only as a depth option.
Ultimately, this situation presents St. Louis with a straightforward decision. They can either act decisively and take advantage of an opportunity to add a capable arm at virtually no cost, or they can hesitate and risk losing that opportunity to another club. Given the team’s current position and aspirations, the logical choice would be to act.
There is no need for a dramatic or high-profile transaction here. Instead, this is about recognizing value where it exists and making a smart, practical move. Adding Seabold would not make headlines, but it could quietly strengthen the roster in a meaningful way.
For Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom and the front office, this is exactly the kind of decision that defines effective roster management. Identifying undervalued players and acting quickly to secure them can often be the difference between a good team and a great one. In this case, placing a waiver claim on Seabold represents a move with virtually no downside and a realistic chance of providing upside.
In the end, the Cardinals have little to lose and potentially something to gain. That alone should be enough reason to make a move now rather than later.
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