In the Spotlight - Kyle Leahy

In the Spotlight - Kyle Leahy

Kyle Leahy, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander, is a potential fourth or fifth starter for the Cardinals in 2026 and is slated to start Sunday against Washington in Cactus League action.

Leahy was selected by St. Louis in the 17th round of the 2018 draft out of Colorado Mesa, a small Division II program. He has steadily climbed the organizational ladder, earning a reputation for his advanced arm and strong competitive makeup. Most of his early pro career was spent in the minors, including a challenging stint at Double-A where he initially struggled but ultimately refined both his mechanics and mental approach.

He made his MLB debut in 2023 and, over the past couple of seasons, has primarily served as a bullpen arm for the Cardinals with occasional spot starts. In 2025, he posted a 3.07 ERA over 88 innings, striking out 80. His walk rate has been solid, though not elite, at the major league level.

Leahy’s size and delivery provide a solid foundation for strike-throwing. In 2025, he utilized a six-pitch mix—unusually deep for a bullpen candidate. His repertoire includes a four-seam fastball (mid-90s with ride), a hard slider, curveball, changeup, sweeper, and sinker.

Where most relievers rely on a pair of go-to pitches, Leahy comes armed with a full toolbox. This arsenal gives him a fighting chance to turn a lineup over — and that’s why the Cardinals are stretching him out this spring.

Statcast and PITCHf/x data indicate his fastball generates above-average whiffs per swing, while his offspeed pitches induce grounders, though not all offerings are swing-and-miss weapons. He has solid velocity but does not dominate with any one pitch.

In 2025, he posted a strong strikeout rate and above-average ground-ball tendencies for a righty, which is encouraging if he’s stretched out as a starter.
Scouts and coaches this spring praise his quiet but competitive nature, and his willingness to grind through adjustments and tough stretches.

Despite his deep arsenal, Leahy’s experience is primarily as a reliever. Carrying a six-pitch mix through 5–6 consistent innings every fifth day remains a projection rather than a certainty.

Some of his secondary offerings don’t miss as many bats as you’d like from a front-line starter; that can show up when hitters see him multiple times in a game. His walk rates and peak command have been fine, but not elite and being a starter roles demands consistently locating deep into a game.
 
2026 Outlook

The Cardinals’ decision to give Leahy a Spring Training start suggests they are earnestly exploring rotation depth, especially given the fluid nature of modern pitching staffs. If he can impress with strike-throwing and maintain effectiveness beyond his typical 2–3 innings, he could fit as a swingman or fifth starter. Even if he does not secure a permanent rotation spot, his ability to start and pitch multiple innings adds valuable flexibility—a versatile arm with upside rather than a set No. 4 option at this stage.