St. Louis Cardinals Off-Season Review

The Cardinals are coming off a disappointing 2024 season in which they could only muster up 75 total wins. That type of performance didn't sit well with the St. Louis front office. "We failed miserably last year. It was a season in which we found new ways to lose ball games" said the Cardinals GM.

We take a closer look at the changes and new additions that'll be with the organization in the 2025 season.

Departed:

OF Giancarlo Stanton- Traded to Royals RP John Brebbia- Free Agent

Additions:

OF Daz Cameron (Trade from Tigers) (A- C Edwin Vasquez)

Daz is mostly known for being the son of former 16-year Outfielder Mike Cameron. However, the 28-year-old Daz has put together a decent career since making it to the major leagues with Detroit in 2020. His season in 2022 remains his best one to date. He was able to put together a 2.9 WAR year, that included a gold glove in RF.

1B/DH Miguel Sano' (Free Agent)

(Signed 1-Year 8.3 Million)

The former AL MVP in 2020 has long been considered one of the best power hitters in the game. His MVP season saw Sano' put up 7.3 WAR year. He's hit 170 Homeruns (2.5 WAR) in four years, including the last year with the Houston Astros. The hope within the organization is for him to provide the power, and potentially find some of his 2020 magic.

SS Didi Gregorius (Free Agent) (Signed 1-Year for 6.75 Million)

Didi is another bat that'll join the Cardinals roster with a history of valuable offensive production. He put together three straight 4+ WAR seasons from 2020-2022 in Philadelphia.

Closer- Craig Kimbrel (Trade from Dodgers) (A-1B Vic Mendoza, AAA Juan Yepez)

The Cardinals reached out to the Los Angeles Dodgers almost the moment Kimbrel was put on the block. Kimbrel will be tabbed the St. Louis closer heading into the 2025 season. The veteran hasn't been able to have that role exclusively since 2022.

RP- Adam Kolarek (Free Agent) (Signed 1-Year for 1.75 Million)

Kolarek was putting together the best season of his career with the White Sox last year before suffering a major arm injury. The elite lefty specialist had elbow ligament reconstruction surgery to fix the issue. He's a wildcard option that could make an impact if the remaining rehabilitation is successful.

RP- Scott Oberg (Trade with Royals) (OF Giancarlo Stanton)

Oberg was the throw in piece during the Giancarlo Stanton salary move. He will get his opportunity to win a role during spring training. The veteran is coming off two Tommy John (UCL) injuries over the last two-seasons. In 2021 and 2022 with the Rockies he finished with 1.7 & 1.4 WAR seasons. The Cardinals have some slight hope that he can offer some help if his arm responds from serious injuries.