After the Los Angeles Dodgers were named World Series Champions on Wednesday night, the St. Louis Cardinals’ offseason transitioned from a mere possibility to a confirmed reality across the league. Free agency officially started on Thursday, prompting the Cardinals to promptly decline club options for Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton.
Gibson, Lynn, and Middleton now join three other Cardinals as official free agents this offseason.
Cardinals free agents
- 1B Paul Goldschmidt
- RHP Kyle Gibson
- RHP Lance Lynn
- RHP Andrew Kittredge
- RHP Keynan Middleton
- DH Matt Carpenter
In total, the Cardinals will have over $50 million cleared from their payroll after five players enter free agency. Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League Most Valuable Player, is anticipated to find a new team this offseason. However, a recent report by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that a club official hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of Goldschmidt returning under the right circumstances. Nonetheless, it seems much more likely that his time with the Cardinals will come to an end this offseason.
Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn provided veteran leadership to the Cardinals’ rotation last year, generally meeting expectations. Unfortunately, the offense significantly underperformed, and their reliable starts weren’t enough to support the team. Both are expected to move on this offseason as the Cardinals focus on developing younger pitchers like Andre Pallante, Michael McGreevy, Gordon Graceffo, and Quinn Mathews.
Keynan Middleton did not pitch for the Cardinals in 2024 after signing as a free agent. He received praise for his positive influence on the young pitchers while he was sidelined with an injury. However, as the team looks to reduce payroll and offer more chances to younger arms, Middleton will likely seek to join a contender. Still, a reunion isn’t entirely off the table.
Andrew Kittredge performed well in the late innings for the Cardinals in 2024, achieving a 2.80 ERA over 74 appearances. If the Cardinals were sticking to their usual offseason strategy, he would likely be a guaranteed returnee. However, if the team trades Ryan Helsley, a reunion could be possible, but Kittredge will likely explore other options as well.
Matt Carpenter has indicated a desire to continue playing in 2025, ideally in a role similar to this past season. While his .686 OPS in 59 games isn’t remarkable, having him as a veteran presence on the bench would be beneficial as the Cardinals give younger players more opportunities. I expect the Cardinals to re-sign Carpenter at some point this offseason.
While the Cardinals may not be very active in free agency this offseason, they still need to build a competitive roster for 2025. Although there are numerous young players ready to step up, I anticipate the Cardinals will make a few moves beyond just selling trades to round out their team.
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