Important dates for St. Louis Cardinals fans to know in the 2024-25 MLB offseason

With the World Series having come to a close, the Major League Baseball offseason begins.

The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in five games in a rather uninspiring World Series. That means John Mozeliak and Chaim Bloom's work on the player side of the game will begin.

While the St. Louis Cardinals have been active already this offseason filling out front office spots and coaching roles, they have yet to make any major player moves, whether they be trades, free agent rumblings, or contract extensions for certain players. All of that is about to change. The simple Kyle Gibson/Lance Lynn moves have been completed. Now, it's time to roll.

Here are some important dates and deadlines for the 2024-2025 MLB offseason.

Right after the World Series ends

Once the champagne has been popped and the trophies have been awarded, free agents are eligible to be signed, and trades can begin for all teams. With the Dodgers winning the title on Wednesday night, teams now have until Monday, November 4th to make decisions on impending free agents and those with options attached to them.

The Cardinals entered the offseason with three players who are guaranteed to become free agents: first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, reliever Andrew Kittredge, and infielder/designated hitter Matt Carpenter.

Five days after the World Series ends

Five days after the World Series ends, teams must resolve qualifying offers for players and contract options. Currently, the Cardinals have only one player whom they would consider giving a qualifying offer to: Paul Goldschmidt. The value for a qualifying offer for 2025 is set at $21.05 million, just a smidgen below Goldy's 2024 salary of $22 million.

The Cardinals entered the offseason with several players with club options for 2025. Starting pitchers Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson have options worth $11 million and $12 million, respectively, both with $1 million buyouts. Reliever Keynan Middleton, who didn't log a single inning all year due to injury, has a $5 million club option for 2025. All three were declined on Thursday, we'll before the official deadline.

Declining these options will free up quite a bit of capital, something ownership is keen on doing this offseason. Goldschmidt's qualifying offer is a bit tricky, as that isn't a terribly expensive price tag, and he still means quite a bit to the fanbase. However, I would imagine Goldy declines that offer should it be extended to him in search of a two-year deal. He would have ten days to accept or decline that option if the Cardinals offer it.