Cardinals Re-Sign Left-Hander Josh Fleming
St. Louis brings back the 30-year-old Bridgeton native on a minor-league deal after his brief stint with Toronto.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Baseball
The St. Louis Cardinals re-signed left-hander Josh Fleming to a minor-league contract. Fleming, 30, pitched briefly for the Toronto Blue Jays last season before being released.
Why it matters
The move adds pitching depth to a St. Louis staff that still needs a more established starter. It comes as the club declined Ryne Stanek's 2027 team option.
Fleming allowed four runs over three innings in his lone Toronto appearance, producing a 12.00 ERA. He made six starts for Class AAA Memphis after joining the Cardinals organization.
The players
Josh Fleming
A 30-year-old left-hander from Bridgeton who has bounced between several major league organizations since his 2020 debut with the Tampa Bay Rays.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Major League Baseball franchise based in St. Louis that re-signed Fleming and declined Ryne Stanek's 2027 team option.
The details
Toronto released Fleming before St. Louis signed him to a minor-league deal. Fleming made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020 and later pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024, and he did not pitch in 2025.
Timeline
2020: Fleming makes his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Rays.
2024: Fleming joins the Pittsburgh Pirates.
2025: Fleming does not pitch.
November 2, 2026: The Cardinals re-sign Fleming to a minor-league deal.
Roadmap
Clubs routinely use minor-league deals with veteran left-handers to fill Triple-A rotations during the offseason. The Cardinals' move fits that pattern while the club still searches for a more established starter.
Fleming's minor-league deal means he will compete for a Triple-A rotation spot rather than an immediate big-league role. Fantasy managers should not expect him to contribute in the majors unless the club adds him to the active roster.
The takeaway
Depth signings like Fleming's show how clubs keep options open while pursuing larger roster upgrades. Watch for whether the Cardinals turn their focus to a more established starter this offseason.
Further reading
Follow more St. Louis roster moves on the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
