St. Louis Cardinals Rotation Could Be a NIGHTMARE in 2026!

St. Louis Cardinals fans face a terrifying reality heading into 2026: a starting rotation in crisis. With Sonny Gray potentially traded and no proven ace to replace him, the pitching staff looks more like a horror show than a playoff contender. Host JD Hafron breaks down the Cardinals' most frightening roster concerns, from Matthew Liberatore's below-average performance to Andre Pallante's gruesome 6-15 season with a 5.31 ERA. The discussion covers potential free agent targets like Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt, and hometown hero Max Scherzer, though multi-year deals seem unlikely. Hafron also examines offensive question marks surrounding Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker, plus the surprising news that Yadier Molina won't return to the coaching staff despite recent lobbying efforts. New hires Joe Douglas and Jacob Buffa signal organizational investment, but will ownership provide resources for meaningful roster upgrades? Discover why the Cardinals' pitching situation might be scarier than any Halloween movie and what moves could save their 2026 season. 0:00 Intro 0:32 Welcome and Halloween theme 2:03 Scariest thing: Starting rotation concerns 4:36 Matthew Liberatore and Michael McGreevy analysis 7:09 Andre Pallante's disappointing 2025 season 10:12 Price Picks sponsorship segment 12:14 Free agent pitchers Cardinals might target 15:19 Austin Gomber and Max Scherzer possibilities 18:25 Miles Mikolas potential return concerns 19:58 Offensive production and outfield struggles 22:31 New staff hires and organizational changes 25:04 Yadier Molina not returning to staff 27:06 Payroll and ownership commitment discussion 28:07 World Series Game 6 preview https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/cardinals-go-into-first-offseason-with-chaim-bloom https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6761517/2025/10/30/cardinals-mlb-coaching-staff-front-office-changes/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6764506/2025/10/31/stl-cardinals-front-office-hires-jacob-buffa-douglas/ Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-st-louis-cardinals/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/ Follow on Twitter/X: @JDSPORTSRADIO Follow the show on Twitter/X: @LO_Cardinals Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #ForTheLou #stlcards #mlb #lockedoncardinals #stlouiscardinals Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.