4 Cardinals who have been good but don't need to be resigned

As the St. Louis Cardinals continue to fall out of contention, rumors are swirling that they will cut payroll in 2025. It's a disappointing reality that fans may need to deal with as the team tries to get back to the winning ways of years past. Also, it means that the Cardinals will need to cut ties with some impending free agents who don't necessarily deserve such treatment. Here are four Cardinals who have been good but don't need to be resigned.

Paul Goldschmidt has been good (recently) but doesn't need to be resigned

Paul Goldschmidt has made the Cardinals' decision at first base much more difficult in recent weeks. While it looked like the veteran first baseman and future Hall of Famer had nothing left in the tank, his recent hot stretch has shown differently. In his last 15 games, Goldschmidt has recorded an OPS of 1.031 while batting .379. If he can return to form for the final month of the season, he may become the stabilizing force the Cardinals need in the 2025 lineup.

With a 96 OPS+, back to near league average, Goldschmidt's bat could be more than serviceable going forward at a reduced rate. Moreover, his stellar defense at first base has gone tremendously underrated over the years. However, with payroll set to decrease this offseason, it may be best to see what the Cardinals have in a platoon of Alec Burleson and Luken Baker at first base in 2025. Burleson has fantastic numbers against right-handed pitchers and Baker has been great so far against lefties, and both players are in pre-arbitration. With Goldschmidt's abilities significantly reduced from his MVP campaign, the difference in production between him and Luken Baker would be marginal at best.

If the Cardinals can use Goldschmidt's salary to upgrade the rotation or add a "tentpole bat" in a position of need, it could be the best allocation of assets. Moreover, Goldy's presence won't provide much "veteran leadership" in the clubhouse either. He does have familiarity with the Cardinals organization, but if they want a vocal leader they may want to look elsewhere.