JUST IN: Cardinals Decline Free Agent Pitchers done deal in blockbuster

After missing the postseason for the second year in a row, the St. Louis Cardinals have decided to part ways with three players. On Thursday, general manager John Mozeliak informed the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the team will not pick up the 2025 options for Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, or Keynan Middleton. Mozeliak stated that this decision will provide the Cardinals with “maximum flexibility” as they embark on their winter “reset.”

With Mozeliak planning to step down after the 2025 season, St. Louis is getting a head start on their impending rebuild. Katie Woo of The Athletic was the first to report that the Cardinals were unlikely to activate Lynn’s one-year, $11 million option, as well as Middleton’s $6 million deal. She suggested that Gibson might be retained for $12 million if the team traded either Miles Mikolas or Steven Matz. However, the Cardinals opted to utilize their $1 million buyout, allowing all three pitchers to enter free agency this winter.

Cardinals Make Payroll Cuts Ahead of Interesting Offseason

St. Louis is reducing its payroll as it heads into the offseason, and parting ways with these three players is just the beginning. Veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has also been informed that he will not be re-signed by the Cardinals in free agency. The futures of players like Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Ryan Helsley in St. Louis may also be uncertain.

“We have a clear understanding of next year’s payroll,” Mozeliak stated. “However, we are still working through several factors, as there is some uncertainty regarding our revenue flows. Ultimately, our goal is to create numerous opportunities for some of our younger players.”

With the World Series now finished, the Cardinals have five days to decide on their club options for 2025. The team is expected to be active this winter, concentrating on rebuilding their farm system instead of pursuing high-profile signings. Mozeliak will begin implementing the Cardinals’ rebuild next week at the general manager’s meetings in San Antonio, Texas.