The St. Louis Cardinals risk extending their playoff drought into next season, which might prompt a decision to sell many impending free agents before the trade deadline. If the team struggles to remain competitive, they may decide to sell key assets rather than compete for a playoff spot. Several key players, particularly pitchers with expiring contracts, could be on the move as the Cardinals prepare to rebuild.
Ryan Helsley, the 2021 National League Reliever of the Year, will be a free agent after the 2025 season. Helsley’s good performance in the bullpen might make him an appealing target for playoff competitors if the Cardinals fall out of the race by the trade deadline. His likely departure would be part of a larger strategy to exchange veterans and prepare for the future.
Erick Fedde, a pitcher acquired by the Cardinals from the Chicago White Sox in 2024, had a rocky start to his career with the Washington Nationals but turned a corner in 2024 after spending time in the Korean Baseball Organization. His 3.11 ERA and solid performance for both the White Sox and Cardinals in 2024 made him an important piece of the St. Louis rotation, potentially giving the team a valuable trade chip.
Fedde’s good performance in 2024, with a 3.30 ERA, 9-9 record, and solid strikeout-to-walk ratio, places him as a candidate the Cardinals could trade at the deadline if they do not make the playoffs. If he continues to pitch well in 2025, Fedde might fetch a large return in trade, assisting St. Louis in replenishing their farm system and furthering their rebuilding efforts.
The Cardinals’ approach for 2025 will be based on their early-season results. If the team remains competitive in the NL Central, they may keep veterans like Fedde and Helsley in the hopes of making the playoffs. However, if they fall out of contention, the Cardinals are likely to sell around the deadline, allowing players like Fedde to maximize their value and safeguard assets for the future.
