The Cardinals had a quiet offseason, making only minor league deals with a few relievers. While that’s better than doing nothing, they essentially made no real progress. No trades were made, and young players remain blocked from opportunities. In essence, they’re running it back with the same roster as 2024, minus Paul Goldschmidt and Andrew Kittredge.
The failed Nolan Arenado trade has left prospects like Thomas Saggese, Luken Baker, Victor Scott II, Michael Siani, and even Alec Burleson without a clear path to playing time in 2025. Given the circumstances, Arenado is likely to remain with the team through the season unless a major injury forces a contender to make a move.
The next real opportunity for a trade might not come until next offseason when the Dodgers have a need at third base due to Max Muncy’s free agency.
Though it’s still early in the year, the Cardinals should already be looking ahead to the trade deadline as their next chance to truly reset. Many fans believe they made a mistake by not selling at last year’s deadline.
Even when they were playing well, it was clear that 2024 wasn’t going to be their year, and trying to compete with teams like the Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, Mets, Padres, and Brewers was unrealistic. Holding onto assets instead of selling only delayed the necessary rebuild and prolonged their struggles.
Now, the focus must be on the future. The Cardinals will have another opportunity to reshape the roster at the 2025 trade deadline, especially with Ryan Helsley and Erick Fedde in the final years of their contracts.
Teams have shown a willingness to pay a premium for rental pitchers, and Helsley, in particular, could bring back a strong return. If St. Louis holds onto him in hopes of contending, they risk losing him in free agency for nothing more than a compensation pick.
Despite the organization’s claims about competing this season, many fans aren’t convinced. The priority should be building for 2026 and beyond. Investing in player development is a step in the right direction, but adding more young talent through trades would accelerate the process.
Helsley saved 49 games last year, and if he performs at a similar level in 2025, he’ll be a highly sought-after trade piece. Fedde could also draw interest. Giving prospects like Michael McGreevy, Gordon Graceffo, Sem Robberse, Quinn Mathews, and Tink Hence a chance should be part of the long-term strategy.
If the Cardinals are under .500 at the deadline—similar to 2023—trading Sonny Gray should also be on the table, even though his market might be more limited than Arenado’s.
Most fans have accepted that 2025 won’t be a great year for the team. While it likely won’t be as rough as 2023, it’s still shaping up to be a tough season. Given that reality, the best move at the deadline is to sell. Ignoring that opportunity again would be a major mistake.
Regardless of where the team sits in the standings, the Cardinals should prioritize the future. Of course, fans would love to see them exceed expectations, but realistically, a championship push isn’t in the cards. The smart move is to prepare for the future, and that starts by making the right decisions at the deadline.
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