Cardinals Released Pitcher Caleb Ferguson
The St. Louis organization parted ways with the veteran relief pitcher in September following a difficult stint.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Baseball
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In September 2026, the St. Louis Cardinals released 30-year-old pitcher Caleb Ferguson. The move followed a challenging season for the reliever who has played for six different major league teams since 2024.
Why it matters
The release reflects Ferguson's struggles to regain the form he showed during his extensive tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is now entering the open market as a free agent looking for a new opportunity ahead of the upcoming season.
Ferguson recorded a 5.18 ERA across 33 innings during the 2026 season with the Cardinals and Reds. This follows a successful six-year stretch in Los Angeles where he struck out 247 batters over 207.1 innings.
The players
Caleb Ferguson
Caleb Ferguson is a 30-year-old professional baseball pitcher who has played for multiple MLB franchises since 2024.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Missouri.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional Major League Baseball team where Ferguson spent the first six years of his career.
The details
Ferguson allowed 8 earned runs during his brief 8.1-inning tenure with St. Louis. He has struggled to find a permanent home since departing from the Dodgers before the 2024 season, having cycled through six teams in that timeframe.
Timeline
Caleb Ferguson played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2018 to 2023.
Ferguson left the Dodgers organization in 2024.
The St. Louis Cardinals released Caleb Ferguson in September 2026.
MLB free agency for major leaguers opens in November 2026.
Season Trajectory
This move highlights the volatility often seen among middle-relief pitchers who have transitioned between multiple organizations. Ferguson now joins a crowded field of free agents hoping to secure a roster spot before spring training camps open.
Ferguson enters the off-season as an unrestricted free agent available for any team to sign starting in November. His 2026 performance with two different clubs suggests he will likely be seeking a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.
The takeaway
Players in the middle of their careers often face increased competition for roster spots after moving between multiple organizations. Success in the free agent market often depends on a pitcher's ability to demonstrate consistent command and durability during scouting showcases.
What happens next
MLB free agency is scheduled to officially open for all major league players in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest team roster changes, visit the St. Louis Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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