Cardinals Land Independent All-Star Closer After Red Sox Exit

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 03: A detailed view of a St. Louis Cardinals equipment bag sitting in the dugout prior to the Opening Day game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 3, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Cardinals 4-0. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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As their rebuilding effort yields unexpectedly strong results this season, the St. Louis Cardinals have enjoyed the emergence of a National League saves leader in the closer spot.

Riley O’Brien has 22 saves on the season as of this writing and has several years of club control ahead, making him a strong candidate to serve as the team’s closer well into the future.

But beyond that, the Cardinals might have just acquired their next high-leverage pitcher, as they announced the addition of an Independent League All-Star on Wednesday.

“We have signed RHP Durbin Feltman to a minor league contract and assigned him to Memphis (AAA),” the Cardinals’ player development arm shared. “The 29-year-old joins the organization after posting a 2.08 ERA, 0.77 WHIP & 5 Saves across 13 appearances with the American Association's Kansas City Monarchs this season, where he was recently named a West Division All-Star.”

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Independent baseball has increasingly become a proving ground for former prospects looking to revive their careers. Every season, organizations turn to standout performers outside affiliated baseball in hopes of uncovering overlooked talent capable of helping at the upper minor league or major league level.

Feltman enjoyed a resurgence with the Monarchs after several years in the Boston Red Sox organization ended in 2023.

“This will be Feltman’s first time back in affiliated ball since his release from the A’s organization in November 2023,” according to the Monarchs’ website. “Durbin has battled through injuries and has pitched with four different teams since then.”

Now, his dominant numbers and All-Star selection in the American Association were enough to convince the Cardinals to offer another chance at Triple-A Memphis.

St. Louis Cardinals Addition Now ‘One Step’ From Major League Debut

The signing represents more than simply adding organizational bullpen depth.

For Feltman, it marks a return to affiliated baseball after nearly two years away, putting him just one step from another potential major league opportunity.

“We are so excited that Durbin received this opportunity with the St. Louis Cardinals,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said, per the team. “Like all of our players, we are pushing extremely hard to try to help them get their opportunity for the next step in their baseball journey. His opportunity with the Cardinals at the AAA level is going to leave him one step from the Major leagues, which is a great tribute to not only his ability but his perseverance in the past few years getting his career back on track.”

The Cardinals will now evaluate whether Feltman's impressive independent league performance can translate against Triple-A competition and perhaps warrant a move to the majors. If it does, the 29-year-old could complete one of baseball's more unlikely comeback stories in recent years.