The St. Louis Cardinals face a tough path to the postseason this year. It might be time to start looking ahead to next season and what their starting rotation might look like.
A strong starting rotation is crucial for playoff success. The Cardinals have made some questionable decisions recently, signing aging veterans to short-term deals and committing to expensive contracts for players like Steven Matz and Miles Mikolas.
Let’s break down the potential starting rotation for the Cardinals in 2025, dividing it into categories: shoo-ins, probable candidates, those with an outside chance, and potential free agents.
Shoo-Ins:
Probable Candidates:
Outside Chances:
Free Agents:
The 2025 free-agent class is strong, featuring names like Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Blake Snell, and Corbin Burnes. However, the Cardinals’ financial constraints might limit their options.
More realistic targets could include:
Severino has shown promise, while Quintana is a known quantity.
Several potential rotations exist for 2025. The Cardinals could stick with their current roster, hoping for improvement from their struggling veterans. Or, they could make some tough decisions, potentially moving on from Mikolas and using Matz in the bullpen.
The most exciting option involves giving their young prospects a chance, potentially supplementing them with a mid-tier free agent. This approach balances financial responsibility with upside.
The Cardinals need to carefully evaluate their options and make strategic choices to build a competitive rotation for the future.
- Sonny Gray: Signed to be the ace, Gray has been solid, if not quite up to the highest expectations. His contract escalates to $25 million next year.
- Erick Fedde: Acquired in a trade, Fedde has had mixed results with the Cardinals. He’s under contract for $7.5 million next year.
- Andre Pallante: The biggest surprise, Pallante has been excellent since moving to the starting rotation. He’s earned his spot for next year.
- Miles Mikolas: Despite a history of inconsistency and a high salary, Mikolas might be given another chance due to his contract.
- Steven Matz: Injuries and poor performance have plagued Matz. He’s owed a significant amount of money, making him a likely candidate to remain on the roster, potentially in the bullpen.
- Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn: Both have team options for next year. Declining these options would be a wise financial decision, allowing the team to invest in younger options.
- Prospects (Michael McGreevy, Gordon Graceffo, Quinn Mathews): These young arms offer potential and affordability. McGreevy appears the most likely to get a shot.
- Sean Manaea: A solid mid-rotation arm who could be available if he opts out of his contract with the Mets.
- Luis Severino and Jose Quintana: Two other Mets pitchers who will be free agents.
- Michael Wacha: A familiar face who could be a reliable option if he declines his player option.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
