The Cardinals have signed right-hander Aaron Wilkerson to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Memphis. Wilkerson had been with the Reds on a minor league deal before opting out earlier this week, as reported by KPRC 2’s Ari Alexander.
Wilkerson, now 36, last pitched in the majors nearly six years ago, posting a 6.88 ERA in 35 1/3 innings with the Brewers between 2017 and 2019. Since then, his career has included international stints in Japan with the Hanshin Tigers (2022) and in Korea with the Lotte Giants (2023–24), along with time in the minors for the Dodgers, Athletics, and Reds—though he hasn’t returned to the majors.
This season at Triple-A Louisville, Wilkerson logged a 4.17 ERA over 18 starts and 95 innings, showing solid control with a 4.5% walk rate and a 20.7% strikeout rate. A low .249 BABIP has helped his results, though a 15% home run rate reflects ongoing issues with keeping the ball in the park.
Despite his steady performance, the Reds opted to promote younger arms like Chase Petty and Chase Burns rather than giving Wilkerson a shot. While the Cardinals also have a crowded rotation, signing Wilkerson could be a strategic move ahead of the trade deadline. If St. Louis moves starters like Erick Fedde, Miles Mikolas, or swingman Steven Matz, Wilkerson offers a veteran depth option to step in at Triple-A.
