JUST IN: The St. Louis Cardinals have some big decisions to make ahead of 2025 season just because of their..

The St. Louis Cardinals have some big decisions to make ahead of 2025 season just because of their..

The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a critical crossroads in their offseason planning as the front office prepares for several major decisions that will shape the future of the franchise. After a disappointing 2024 season that saw the team miss the playoffs, the Cardinals are looking to make significant changes to return to contention in the National League Central.

One of the biggest challenges facing the organisation is the future of the pitching staff. Despite flashes of brilliance from some of their young arms, the Cardinals’ rotation was inconsistent throughout the year, and the bullpen often struggled to hold leads. With a deep pool of potential free agents and trade options, the Cardinals’ front office is weighing whether to make a big splash in the free-agent market or pursue a trade to acquire established starting pitching.

“We know that pitching is our biggest need,” said Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak. “We have some young talent, but we’ll have to see what’s available through trades or free agency. We’re not in a position to stand pat. Our goal is to build a staff that can help us contend again in 2025.”

The Cardinals will also need to assess their roster of position players. While players like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado continue to anchor the team, questions remain about the overall depth of the lineup. With a few of their young prospects showing promise, such as Jordan Walker and Lars Nootbaar, the Cardinals may need to explore upgrades to their outfield and infield in order to provide more consistent offence.

Another factor adding pressure to the team’s decision-making is the increasing competitiveness of the NL Central. With teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds making strides, the Cardinals can’t afford to sit on their hands and hope for improvement. They will need to be proactive in addressing their needs if they are to challenge for the division title.

“Every team in our division is getting better, and we can’t afford to fall behind,” said manager Oliver Marmol. “We’ll have to make tough decisions, but we’re committed to getting this team back to where it belongs.”

With crucial decisions looming, the next few months will be a defining period for the St. Louis Cardinals as they seek to turn the page on a challenging season and rebuild their roster for the future. Fans are hoping that the right moves will position the team for a successful 2025 season.