St. Louis Cardinals Prepare for Rebuild

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase following a disappointing 2024 season, despite a record of 83-79 that showed improvement over the previous year. Key veterans, including Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Ryan Helsley, are expected to be traded as the team seeks to lower payroll and focus on developing younger players. However, the Cardinals are encouraged to retain valuable veterans like Keynan Middleton, Sonny Gray, and Andrew Kittredge to provide mentorship for the young roster, particularly as they navigate a new direction. Contreras, while costly, could still play a significant role in 2025 if he can meet expectations. The team is also considering bringing back fan favorite Matt Carpenter, who can offer veteran leadership without taking significant playing time from younger players. Overall, the Cardinals aim to balance their roster with a mix of experience and youth as they prepare for the next season.