The St. Louis Cardinals face the possibility of extending their playoff drought into next season, which could lead to a decision to trade several impending free agents at the trade deadline. If the team struggles to remain competitive, they may look to sell valuable assets rather than push for a postseason berth. Several key players, especially pitchers with expiring contracts, could be on the move as the Cardinals shift toward rebuilding.
One such player is Ryan Helsley, the 2021 National League Reliever of the Year, who will become a free agent after the 2025 season. Helsley’s strong performance in the bullpen could make him an attractive target for playoff contenders if the Cardinals find themselves out of the race by the trade deadline. His potential departure would mark a part of the broader strategy to trade veterans and build for the future.
Another pitcher that could be traded is Erick Fedde, whom the Cardinals acquired in 2024 from the Chicago White Sox. Fedde 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 strong performance in 2024, with a 3.30 ERA, 9-9 record, and solid strikeout-to-walk ratio, positions him as a player the Cardinals could deal with at the trade deadline if they are not competing for the playoffs. Should he continue to pitch well in 2025, Fedde could fetch a significant return in trade, helping St. Louis replenish their farm system and further their rebuilding efforts.
The Cardinals’ strategy for 2025 will hinge on their early-season performance. If the team remains competitive in the NL Central, they may hold onto veterans like Fedde and Helsley, hoping for a playoff push. However, if they fall out of contention, the Cardinals are likely to become sellers at the deadline, moving players like Fedde to maximize their value and secure assets for the future.
