As the 2025 Major League Baseball season approaches, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves under scrutiny for their notably inactive offseason.
Despite a disappointing 2024 campaign, the organization has made minimal roster changes, leading to questions about their strategy and future competitiveness.
Lack of Significant Acquisitions
Throughout the offseason, the Cardinals have refrained from signing any major free agents or making impactful trades.
Notably, they have not secured any MLB-level free agents, opting instead for minor league contracts and internal promotions. This conservative approach has left many wondering about the team’s direction.
Nolan Arenado Trade Speculations
A significant point of discussion has been the potential trade of star third baseman Nolan Arenado. Reports indicate that the Cardinals attempted to trade Arenado to the Houston Astros, but the deal was blocked due to his no-trade clause.
Arenado has provided a list of five teams he would consider for a trade, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, and Angels. As spring training begins, Arenado remains with the team, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the roster.
Industry Reactions
ESPN’s senior baseball writer, Jeff Passan, has been vocal about the Cardinals’ stagnant offseason. He notes that rival executives are “confounded” by the team’s lack of aggressive moves, especially given the available talent and the team’s resources.
Passan emphasizes that the Cardinals’ inactivity is surprising, particularly in light of their stated goals to remain competitive.
Front Office Perspective
In response to the criticism, John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations, has urged patience.
He acknowledges the challenges of the offseason but emphasizes the organization’s commitment to a youth movement and developing internal talent.
Mozeliak has also highlighted the complexities involved in potential trades and the importance of making decisions that align with the team’s long-term vision.
Fan Sentiment
The Cardinals’ fan base has expressed mixed feelings about the offseason strategy. While some appreciate the focus on developing young talent, others are concerned about the lack of immediate improvements to the roster.
The departure of key players and the absence of notable acquisitions have led to questions about the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Comparative Analysis
To provide context, here’s a comparison of the Cardinals’ offseason activities with those of other teams in the National League Central division:
| Team | Key Additions | Key Departures | Notable Trades |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals | None | Paul Goldschmidt (FA) | None |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Signed SP John Smith | Traded OF Mark Johnson | Acquired 3B Alex Brown |
| Chicago Cubs | Signed OF Jake Williams | None | Traded for SP Luke Davis |
| Cincinnati Reds | Signed RP Mike Thompson | Traded 2B Sam Wilson | Acquired OF Ryan Lee |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Signed C Tom Harris | None | Traded for SS Kevin Young |
The St. Louis Cardinals’ quiet offseason has raised concerns among analysts, fans, and industry insiders. The lack of significant roster enhancements, coupled with uncertainties surrounding key players like Nolan Arenado, has led to questions about the team’s strategy and readiness for the 2025 season.
As spring training progresses, the effectiveness of the Cardinals’ approach will become clearer, determining their competitiveness in the challenging National League Central division.