The St. Louis Cardinals are approaching this offseason with what they’ve described as a “reset,” suggesting their focus won’t be solely on improving their major league roster for 2025. This approach doesn’t hint at a team gearing up for major free-agent signings, and Jim Bowden’s recent free agent fit list on *The Athletic* seems to agree.
Each year, Bowden links teams to various impending free agents and projects their likely contracts. Out of the top 45 free agents listed this year, Bowden doesn’t link the Cardinals to any, which aligns with the team’s stated focus. While it’s possible they could make a targeted signing, like bringing in a unique arm such as Walker Buehler or a reliever, this isn’t likely given their current payroll and direction.
The Cardinals will likely make multiple additions in the offseason, but these will probably be lower-profile acquisitions. The most significant moves may come through trades involving key players like Ryan Helsley, Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, or Nolan Arenado. They’re also expected to let Paul Goldschmidt enter free agency, and the futures of Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, Matt Carpenter, and Andrew Kittredge are uncertain.
Though there’s an argument for the Cardinals trying to compete in 2025 while building their farm system, focusing on player development could be a better long-term strategy. Building a solid foundation for when Chaim Bloom takes over fully in 2026 should be a priority, as fans likely prefer sustainable success over scraping for 85 wins with a middling roster. John Mozeliak also indicated that 2025 will see more youth in the spotlight, further reducing the chances of high-profile free-agent signings.
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