All About Matches
Erick Fedde: The Pitcher Who Surprised Everyone and Why Cardinals Fans Should Pay Attention
What if I told you that a pitcher who struggled in the Major Leagues suddenly became one of the most sought-after arms in baseball? Erick Fedde’s journey is exactly that kind of story, and it’s one that every baseball fan needs to understand right now.
Who Is Erick Fedde?
Erick Fedde is a professional baseball pitcher who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on February 25, 1993, Fedde stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and throws right-handed. He was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft, which means teams believed he had special talent from the very beginning.
But here’s what makes his story interesting: Fedde’s career didn’t follow a straight path to success. Like many athletes, he faced challenges, setbacks, and moments where people doubted whether he would ever reach his full potential.
The Early Years with the Nationals
When Erick Fedde first joined the Washington Nationals organization, expectations were high. First-round picks are supposed to become stars, right? However, his early years in MLB were difficult. From 2017 to 2022, Fedde posted numbers that weren’t impressive. His earned run average (ERA) – which measures how many runs a pitcher allows per nine innings – often hovered around 5.00 or higher, which isn’t what teams want from their starting pitchers.
Many fans and analysts started to wonder if Fedde would ever figure things out at the highest level of baseball.
The Surprising Transformation in Korea
Here’s where Erick Fedde’s story takes an unexpected turn. After the 2022 season, instead of staying in MLB, Fedde made a bold decision: he signed with the NC Dinos in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) for the 2023 season.
This move surprised many people. Why would a former first-round pick leave Major League Baseball? But this decision changed everything for Fedde.
In Korea, Fedde became dominant. He posted incredible numbers, with a sparkling ERA and struck out batters at a much higher rate than he ever had in MLB. He looked like a completely different pitcher – more confident, more refined, and more effective.
The Return to MLB and the White Sox
After his successful season in Korea, Erick Fedde returned to Major League Baseball in 2024, signing with the Chicago White Sox. And guess what? The improvements he made in Korea translated to success back in the big leagues.
Fedde’s fastball velocity improved, his control got better, and his secondary pitches became more reliable. He wasn’t just surviving in MLB anymore – he was thriving. His ERA dropped significantly compared to his earlier years, and he became one of the White Sox’s most dependable starters.
Why Are the Cardinals Interested?
Now we get to the part that matters for St. Louis Cardinals fans. The Cardinals have been looking to strengthen their pitching rotation, and Erick Fedde’s name has come up in trade discussions and free agency conversations.
The Cardinals need starting pitchers who can eat innings and keep the team competitive. Fedde’s transformation makes him an attractive option because:
He has proven he can succeed at the MLB level (after his Korea experience)
He’s still in his early 30s, which means he has several good years left
His contract situation might make him affordable compared to big-name free agents
He brings experience and a strong work ethic
What Would Fedde Bring to St. Louis?
If Erick Fedde joined the Cardinals, fans could expect a reliable starting pitcher who won’t necessarily be an ace but will give the team quality innings. Think of him as a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm – the kind of pitcher every winning team needs.
His pitching style relies on:
A four-seam fastball that averages around 93-95 mph
A changeup that has become his best pitch
A slider and curveball for variety
Fedde’s biggest strength is his ability to keep hitters off balance by mixing his pitches effectively rather than overpowering them with pure velocity.
The Bigger Lesson from Fedde’s Story
Beyond just baseball statistics, **Erick Fe