(ST. LOUIS) — The St. Louis Cardinals bolstered their pitching staff Tuesday by acquiring free agent Dustin May, the organization announced. The right-hander has agreed to a one-year deal for the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. The team did not disclose financial details.
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom praised the acquisition, expressing enthusiasm about adding a pitcher with proven championship experience and resilience after overcoming significant injuries.
The 28-year-old May recorded personal bests across multiple categories last season, winning seven games while appearing in 25 contests. He made 23 starts and logged 132.1 innings with 123 strikeouts while playing for two organizations. After beginning the year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, May was dealt to the Boston Red Sox at the July 31 trade deadline. He made 18 starts for Los Angeles before contributing six appearances, including five starts, for Boston.
The 6-foot-6, 180-pound pitcher holds career totals of 19 wins against 20 losses with a 3.86 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 71 major league appearances, 57 of which were starts. His 2025 season concluded with a 7-11 record and 4.96 ERA.
Known by the nickname “Big Red,” May entered professional baseball as a third-round selection by Los Angeles in 2016 from Northwest High School in Texas. He reached the majors in August 2019 and earned fifth place in National League Rookie of the Year balloting the following season after helping the Dodgers capture a World Series title.
Between 2019 and May 2023, the right-hander compiled a 12-9 record with a 3.10 ERA before injuries sidelined him for extended periods, causing him to miss the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024.
May brings postseason credentials to St. Louis, having pitched in nine playoff games for the Dodgers during their championship runs. He earned a victory in relief during the opening game of Los Angeles’ 2020 Division Series and appeared twice during that year’s World Series.
To accommodate May on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals designated outfielder Matt Koperniak for assignment.
