Right-handed pitcher Dustin May, who the Cardinals signed to a one-year contract for 2026 that also includes a mutual option for 2027, was on hand for the Winter Warm-Up and fans got to see him up close and get his autograph.
“The fans are great,” he said to the media at the Warm-Up. “I sat down in the lobby of the hotel last night and met a bunch of people. They were very welcoming and I’m excited to be here.”
It’s easy to see why he has been nicknamed “Big Red.”
“I stick out like a sore thumb sometimes,” he said referring to his red hair. “It’s ok, though.”
When he first signed with the Cardinals and did a Zoom call he told the media he was hoping to put on some pounds and he was happy to say he had purposely gained about 20 pounds in hopes of bulking up for strength and hopes to keep it holding as is.
May was a 3rd round draft selection by the Dodgers in 2016 out of Northwest High School in Justin, Texas. He came back last year after a previous surgery, and played for Dodgers and Red Sox. The Cardinals signed him as free agent
At the time of his signing, President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom said he was excited to add “someone with Dustin’s talent and upside to our rotation” saying “He’s already experienced pitching in and winning the World Series, as well as persevering through difficult injuries to return to health on a big league mound. We are happy that he will write the next chapter of his career here in St. Louis.”
May’s career postseason history includes nine appearances with Los Angeles between 2019-2020. May was credited with the win in relief in Game 1 of the Dodgers 2020 Division Series win over San Diego. He appeared twice in relief during the 2020 World Series vs. Tampa Bay.
He says he is feeling healthy, and talks more about that in the interview. To hear his entire interview, click the audio player below:
