4 Cardinals who should have a larger role in 2025, 3 who should not

The Cardinals need to let Lance Lynn walk this offseason

Lance Lynn has mostly done his job for the Cardinals this season, going 6-4 with a 4.06 ERA in 21 starts. Lynn has really struggled to give the Cardinals length in games and has had a few blow-up starts on his resume, but overall, he's been fine.

Here's the rub - the Cardinals don't need any more "just fine" arms for their rotation, that's what they have Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz for. They acquired Erick Fedde to be a better (and cheaper) version of that as well. Frankly, they have multiple young arms who need a chance to fill that role, and they may end up being even better than Lynn has been.

Andre Pallante has already stepped into the Cardinals' rotation and shown that he can be a better option than Lynn on a much smaller salary. With Gray, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, and Matz under contract for next season, there is very little reason to muddy the waters for $12 million with Lynn again, especially when there is more depth behind those names I just listed.

Quinn Mathews has been a stud this year and is now making starts for the Memphis Redbirds. He figured to be ready for his MLB debut sometime in 2025, and they'll want to have room for him when they believe he is ready. Michael McGreevy was excellent in his MLB debut last month and his improved play in Triple-A shows he is ready for a legitimate run in St. Louis. Guys like Sem Robberse, Adam Kloffenstein, and Gordon Graceffo will deserve some looks as well.

Over the last few years, the Cardinals' have lacked the depth needed among their young arms to feel like they can turn to them when needed. Fortunately, things are different now, and the Cardinals need to let those young arms contribute and invest their resources into the top of the rotation or other areas of the team.

Lynn could be worth the $12 million in theory, but not for this team. They do not need another arm like Lynn, especially when they are already paying multiple players big money to provide depth for them (Matz and Mikolas). Let Lynn walk, and allow the young arms to sink or swim.