St. Louis’ 2025 Rule 5 Draft selection Matt Pushard is projected to be a part of the equation for an inexperienced Cardinal bullpen in 2025. What’s to expect from the newcomer?
Written By: AJ Stone (1/8/26)
The Cardinal’s 2025/2026 Rule 5 Draft was headlined by the selection of right-handed pitcher Matt Pushard. His 2025 consisted of 62.1 innings of work, 73 strikeouts, a respectable 3.61 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.16. Pushard is a hulking presence on the mound at 6 ‘4 and weighing in at 250lbs. An absolute unit that translates mass straight into gas. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, but above-average extension and RPMs create an elusiveness that weaponizes his four-seamer. Pushard teams his fastball with a curveball and a slider, both of which are effective against right-handed batters.
Pushard’s biggest vice in his professional career has been his trialing times against left-handed opponents. His fastball remains effective against the opposite handedness, but he lacks any secondary offering to position himself for success. It would be my inference that St. Louis either has him slotting in as a right-handed specialist or has a real plan of attack for how he can induce outs against the lefties.
As for how Pushard’s piece of the puzzle will fit in for the 2026 season, he’s in line for real innings. The Cardinals have added a plethora of young arms in a string of trades, all of whom remain unproven as Cardinals. It would be a detriment to the St. Louis rebuild to overcommit to any of these new pitchers. It’s in the club’s best interest to give everyone a shot and not put their eggs in one right or left-handed basket.
I expect Pushard to go through the regular trials and tribulations that the Cardinals have used to integrate bullpen pieces in the past. He’ll likely start in blowout games and tossing meaningless innings, and if he finds success, don’t be surprised to see him facing elite right-handed hitters early on in the season.
Pushard isn’t the needle mover that Cardinal fans are seething for, but he’s a great supplement to a young team looking for direction. Regardless of his success at the big-league level, I like this move and enjoy the Cardinals exploring new ways to find MLB-ready talent.
StonesJournal 
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