The St. Louis Cardinals are beginning a rebuilding phase and are expected to shop players like Brendan Donovan and JoJo Romero, with Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado also potentially available.
As they move forward, the organization is focused on eliminating any excess pieces on the roster or within the system that could slow their rebuild and delay the goal of becoming a steady contender again.
In addition to non-tendering several players last month, including John King, the Cardinals parted ways with left-hander this offseason. Per Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors, Veneziano has since signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers.
28-Year-Old Pitcher Departs Cardinals For Rangers
Veneziano started the 2025 season with the Miami Marlins and posted a 4.71 ERA in 24 appearances. The Cardinals claimed him off waivers in August, and he pitched just two games for St. Louis, posting a 4.50 ERA.
The 28-year-old left-hander finished the year with a 4.68 ERA between Miami and St. Louis. The Cardinals have picked up a lot of pitching depth thus far this offseason.
They added Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke in the Sonny Gray trade, took several pitchers in the Rule 5 Draft, and also signed right-hander Dustin May to a one-year contract for 2026, so losing Veneziano doesn’t hurt them in any way.
Now, the left-hander will get a shot to prove himself with the Rangers after a brief stint in St. Louis. The Cardinals will likely look to add more pitching at various points this winter as the offseason progresses.
Veneziano began his career with the Kansas City Royals in 2023 and was claimed by the Marlins in 2024 before his stint in St. Louis. For the Cardinals, the left-hander wasn’t much more than a depth piece in their bullpen, so they should be able to find some other arms to replace him and to stock up the minor league system with pitching for next season.
Veneziano could potentially compete for a spot in the Rangers’ bullpen for 2026 during spring training. But his time with the Cardinals’ organization is likely at an end after appearing in just two games late in the year.
We’ll see what comes next for the lefty.
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