5 things Cardinals fans should know going into GM meetings in San Antonio

5. Some payroll cuts have already been made

The Cardinals declined options for Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Kenyan Middleton for the 2025 season, opting to pay each of them the $1 million buyout. The three will become free agents, along with Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Kittredge, and Matt Carpenter.

This removes $50 million from payroll. This is quite significant, and returning to the club hasn't been ruled out entirely from the list. They will just come back at a lower amount.

It would be nice to have Gibson and Goldschmidt back. Gibson was a great veteran clubhouse presence, even mentoring Andre Pallante last season. The starting rotation needs this kind of leadership. Plus, he wanted to play for St. Louis. Having players like that around is great.

Goldschmidt would be good because he still plays a great first base. However, he has struggled mightily at the plate in the two seasons since winning the NL MVP award in 2022. It would be nice to see him return on a one-year incentive-laden deal to redeem himself after struggling. However, it depends on what Goldschmidt would require to return, meaning we must wait and see what's possible. He was not extended a qualifying offer as the free agency period nears.

4. What about current top earners?

Since the end-of-season press conference, it's been certain among a weary fan base that the team would be trading off their most significant assets in Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Sonny Gray. This has been proven more as a feeling rather than any fact.

No one has directly said these players would be traded; it was merely stated that they would be shopped on the trade market. It should also be noted that all three players have a no-trade clause and must approve any deal. If they are moved, they will likely bring a good return. But nothing is set in stone. It would be devastating to see all three moved and receive nothing of value in return. Given the past few years, the fanbase is skeptical of anything Mozeliak and company say. It must be remembered that the organization does seem to have a plan going forward with Bloom and Cerfolio. Mozeliak is in his final season as POBO and will not want to go out on a sour note.

Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz, who each have one year remaining on their current contracts, could also be trade targets.