The St. Louis Cardinals are expected to part ways with several players following reports that Nolan Arenado will likely stay with the team.
This offseason, the Cardinals have reportedly explored trading the veteran third baseman, which makes sense given their apparent shift toward rebuilding. They’ve already moved on from multiple veterans ahead of the 2025 season, including Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Paul Goldschmidt.
Arenado’s sizable contract is a major factor in trade discussions, as the Cardinals may be reluctant to continue paying it. However, with his no-trade clause and hefty salary, finding a trade partner has proven difficult.
He reportedly approved potential trades to six teams: the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and San Diego Padres. However, most of these teams already have established third basemen, making a deal unlikely. The Angels appear to be the only realistic option, though even that remains uncertain.
With Arenado likely staying put, the Cardinals may still attempt to reduce payroll by trading or releasing other players. The question now is: which players could be on the chopping block?
3. RHP Erick Fedde
No veteran on the Cardinals’ roster should be considered untouchable, especially as the team appears fully committed to a rebuild. That could include moving right-hander Erick Fedde, who was acquired in a blockbuster three-team trade at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline.
Fedde, 31, is set to earn $7.5 million in 2025—an affordable price for a pitcher of his caliber. However, with the Cardinals prioritizing young talent over veteran arms, trading him could bring back a solid return in prospects.
Dealing Fedde would clear nearly $10 million from the payroll while adding valuable future assets. If he isn’t moved before the season starts, he’s almost certain to be dealt at the trade deadline, as St. Louis won’t want to risk injury or a decline in performance. Moving him sooner rather than later makes the most sense.
2. RHP Miles Mikolas
If the Cardinals are serious about cutting payroll, moving on from their veteran pitchers is a necessary step. Last season, the rotation was filled with right-handers over 30, and while some have already departed, Fedde, Sonny Gray, and Miles Mikolas remain. These pitchers not only take up rotation spots but also account for a significant chunk of the team’s payroll.
With a strong pipeline of young pitching prospects ready to make an impact—particularly top prospect Tink Hence—it’s difficult to justify keeping Mikolas in the rotation. His presence could block the development of younger arms, which is counterproductive to the team’s long-term goals.
Mikolas is set to make nearly $20 million in 2025, making him the most obvious candidate for a roster cut. Given his salary, finding a trade partner willing to take on his full contract would be challenging, unless St. Louis agrees to cover a portion of his deal. One way or another, the Cardinals need to move on from him as soon as possible.
1. RHP Ryan Helsley
Among all the players on the roster, closer Ryan Helsley stands out as the most logical trade candidate ahead of the 2025 season.
Helsley is among the league’s best closers, leading MLB in saves last season despite playing for a struggling St. Louis squad. With the Cardinals trending further downward, keeping a top-tier closer on an expiring contract makes little sense.
Trading Helsley could net the Cardinals a strong return, as contenders like the Boston Red Sox are likely in the market for an elite closer. Boston, in particular, has the prospect depth to facilitate a trade, making them a viable landing spot even if they’re not pursuing Arenado.
Moving Helsley would also free up a few million in payroll, benefiting the Cardinals both financially and strategically. Given their direction, trading him would be a win-win situation for the front office.