The Cardinals have had a surprising season, to say the least…
The St. Louis Cardinals made significant strides in 2024, jumping from 71 wins in 2023 to 83, despite missing the playoffs. A major driver of this 12-win turnaround was their bullpen, anchored by closer Ryan Helsley and setup man Andrew Kittredge, which posted an impressive 3.64 ERA, ranking seventh in MLB.
However, the 2025 season brought uncertainty after Kittredge’s departure in the offseason. The Cardinals’ bullpen ERA has slipped to 4.08, reflecting a dip in performance. Yet, amidst these challenges, third-year right-hander Kyle Leahy has emerged as a surprising standout, transforming the narrative for St. Louis.
Leahy, who struggled in his brief 2023 debut with a 21.60 ERA over three appearances and managed a 4.07 ERA in 33 outings in 2024, has been nothing short of spectacular in 2025. As of June 11, 2025, he’s made 29 appearances, boasting a stellar 2.48 ERA and a 27-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 36⅓ innings. “No one could’ve predicted the season that Leahy has had to this point,” a Cardinals insider remarked, highlighting his unexpected rise.
His reliability has been a lifeline for a bullpen tasked with filling the void left by Kittredge. Leahy’s ability to limit runs and maintain composure under pressure has exceeded expectations, making him a critical asset for a Cardinals team eyeing a postseason return.
With Helsley still leading the relief corps, Leahy’s breakout offers hope that St. Louis can rebuild its bullpen into a strength. As the Cardinals chase a Wild Card spot, can Leahy continue his dazzling performance and propel the team to October? Stay tuned for more on this rising star’s impact!