The Cardinals have signed left-handed pitcher Rob Kaminsky to a minor league contract for the 2025 season, marking his third stint with the organization and 12th professional season.
Originally drafted by St. Louis as the 28th overall pick in 2013, Kaminsky made an immediate impact despite his youth, debuting professionally at 18. Over his first three seasons in the Cardinals’ system, he posted a 2.15 ERA and 2.90 FIP across 217 1/3 innings from Rookie ball to High-A.
In 2015, the Cardinals traded Kaminsky to Cleveland in exchange for Brandon Moss. Following the trade, he struggled, and concerns arose about his ability to remain a starting pitcher. After missing nearly all of 2017 due to injury, he transitioned to a bullpen role in 2018 and 2019, recording a 3.31 ERA and 4.01 FIP over 84 1/3 innings. Though his performance was respectable, he had largely dropped off prospect radars by then. He became a minor league free agent after the 2019 season.
Kaminsky returned to the Cardinals on a minor league deal that winter and made his MLB debut in 2020, pitching 4 2/3 innings with three strikeouts, two walks, and three runs allowed (only one earned). Despite his decent performance, he was designated for assignment after just five appearances and hasn’t played in the majors since.
Between 2021 and 2024, Kaminsky moved between the Phillies, Mariners, and the independent Staten Island FerryHawks before returning to the Mariners. Injuries hampered his progress, and he struggled to make an impact. However, in 2024, he made eight starts for Triple-A Tacoma—the most he had made in a season since 2016.
While Kaminsky is unlikely to make the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster, he provides left-handed depth for both the bullpen and potentially the rotation. A return to St. Louis might give him the opportunity to revive his career and work his way back to the majors.
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