The St. Louis Cardinals may extend their playoff drought into next season, which could lead to the decision to trade several players approaching free agency at the trade deadline. If the team struggles to stay competitive, they might prioritize selling valuable assets over pushing for a postseason spot. Several key players, particularly pitchers with expiring contracts, could be traded as the team shifts towards rebuilding.
One such player is Ryan Helsley, the 2021 National League Reliever of the Year, who will be a free agent after the 2025 season. Helsley’s strong bullpen performance could make him an appealing target for playoff contenders if the Cardinals are out of the race by the trade deadline. His potential trade would be part of a broader strategy to move veterans and focus on the future.
Another pitcher that could be dealt is Erick Fedde, whom the Cardinals acquired from the Chicago White Sox in 2024. Fedde had a tough start with the Washington Nationals but improved significantly in 2024 after playing in the Korean Baseball Organization. With a 3.11 ERA and strong performances for both the White Sox and Cardinals, Fedde has become an important part of the St. Louis rotation, potentially making him a valuable trade asset.
With a 3.30 ERA, 9-9 record, and solid strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2024, Fedde could be traded if the Cardinals are not in playoff contention. If he continues his solid performance in 2025, Fedde could bring a strong return in a trade, helping St. Louis bolster its farm system and accelerate its rebuilding process.
The Cardinals’ approach for 2025 will depend on their early-season performance. If they remain competitive in the NL Central, they might keep veterans like Fedde and Helsley in hopes of a playoff push. However, if they fall out of contention, the team is likely to become sellers at the deadline, moving players like Fedde to maximize their value and stockpile assets for the future.
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