5 Steps for the Cardinals to Thrive in 2025 | From Smart Spending to MLB Trades
Sportsgrid Staff
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A Healthy Season from Willson Contreras
Willson Contreras was signed to fill the void left by Yadier Molina, but his first two seasons in St. Louis were marred by drama and injuries. Last season, Contreras showed promise with a .380 on-base percentage and an OPS+ of 136 in limited action. His stability could be crucial for the Cardinals’ younger pitchers, providing both leadership and consistency. A healthy, drama-free season from Contreras would solidify his role and give the Cardinals the veteran reliability they need.
Smart Spending and Payroll Discipline
The Cardinals are lowering their payroll in 2025, so avoiding unwise spending will be essential. Currently, they have several players on the books for over $10 million, meaning new signings should ideally be shorter-term or one-year deals. Free agent contracts with long-term obligations could hinder Chaim Bloom’s efforts to reshape the roster when he takes over full control in 2026. This offseason, careful investments will ensure the team doesn’t limit its flexibility, allowing them to target true impact players when the time is right.
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Relying on Young Talent
With young players like Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker showing potential, it’s time to give them the spotlight. Winn, a Gold Glove finalist, hit .267 with 15 homers in his rookie season. Walker’s end-of-season improvement, with a .494 slugging percentage in September, hints at a breakout. Additionally, Tink Hence and Quinn Mathews could add depth to the starting rotation. By letting the next generation lead, the Cardinals could uncover some real talent while laying a foundation for sustained success in the coming seasons.
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Adapting Nolan Arenado’s Role
While Nolan Arenado has been a star, his productivity is starting to decline as he approaches 34. In 2024, his OPS+ was only slightly above league average at 101, and his 16 home runs marked his lowest output in a full season since 2014. Moving Arenado to the fifth or sixth spot in the lineup could boost efficiency without putting too much pressure on him. Preparing for life after Arenado and exploring other options, like Brendan Donovan, could help the Cardinals strategically transition as Arenado ages.
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Exploring Trade Options for Ryan Helsley
Coming off a league-leading 49 saves, Ryan Helsley’s trade value is at a peak, making it an opportune time for the Cardinals to consider moving him. With free agency looming after 2025, a trade could fill other pressing roster needs, while avoiding a potentially large extension. Spotrac projects Helsley’s next contract around $81 million over six years, a significant investment for a volatile role. If the right offer arises, trading Helsley could benefit the team’s long-term competitiveness.
A Healthy Season from Willson Contreras
Willson Contreras was signed to fill the void left by Yadier Molina, but his first two seasons in St. Louis were marred by drama and injuries. Last season, Contreras showed promise with a .380 on-base percentage and an OPS+ of 136 in limited action. His stability could be crucial for the Cardinals’ younger pitchers, providing both leadership and consistency. A healthy, drama-free season from Contreras would solidify his role and give the Cardinals the veteran reliability they need.
Smart Spending and Payroll Discipline
The Cardinals are lowering their payroll in 2025, so avoiding unwise spending will be essential. Currently, they have several players on the books for over $10 million, meaning new signings should ideally be shorter-term or one-year deals. Free agent contracts with long-term obligations could hinder Chaim Bloom’s efforts to reshape the roster when he takes over full control in 2026. This offseason, careful investments will ensure the team doesn’t limit its flexibility, allowing them to target true impact players when the time is right.
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