Cardinals and Rockies Make Key Minor League Signings

The St. Louis Cardinals have made significant moves to bolster their minor league roster by signing right-handed reliever Scott Blewett to a minor league contract. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Blewett, who will turn 30 in April, posted a career-high 44 and one-third innings in the major leagues last season, splitting time among the Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles.

He finished the season with a combined 5.48 ERA across 26 appearances, demonstrating a mixed performance with a strikeout rate below average at 18% and a walk rate of 9.3%. Blewett is a three-pitch reliever, primarily utilizing an 84 MPH slider and averaging a fastball velocity of 93 to 94 MPH.

His addition aims to enhance the Cardinals' bullpen depth, which is particularly crucial as they navigate an inexperienced relief corps heading into Spring Training. Additionally, the Cardinals have re-signed catcher Yohel Pozo on a split major league deal, as reported by MLB Trade Rumors.

Pozo, who was non-tendered earlier, logged 67 games in the 2025 season, achieving career-highs in plate appearances and games played, although he struggled offensively with a .231 batting average. Despite these challenges, he proved valuable with clutch pinch-hits and is recognized for his strong defensive skills, particularly in framing pitches and caught-stealing rates.

This re-signing brings the Cardinals' 40-man roster count to 38, providing further depth behind the plate alongside other catchers like Jimmy Crooks and Ivan Herrera. Meanwhile, in Colorado, the Rockies have announced the return of manager Warren Schaeffer for the 2026 season.

As noted by MLB Trade Rumors, Schaeffer took over as interim manager after the firing of Bud Black in May and is being retained on a multi-year deal. The Rockies have struggled significantly, finishing the 2025 season with a dismal record of 119 losses, prompting a shake-up in their management.

Schaeffer, who has been with the Rockies organization since being drafted in 2007, has extensive experience coaching at various levels within the minor leagues. His familiarity with many players on the roster from their early development stages is seen as a positive aspect as the team looks to rebuild.

Although the Rockies are in a challenging position, Schaeffer's focus will be on player development and relationship building in the near term. His retention signals a desire for continuity amid broader changes in the front office led by new president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta.

Overall, these strategic moves by the Cardinals and Rockies underscore both teams' efforts to strengthen their lineups and coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.