Predicting the St. Louis Cardinals' 2025 starting rotation

Final Rotation Options

Option 1:
Sonny Gray
Erick Fedde
Andre Pallante
Steven Matz
Miles Mikolas

This isn't my personal choice for a rotation next year, but I could absolutely see the Cardinals rolling with it. Each of these players is under contract for next year, some more than others, and this would be an easy way for ownership and management to "save" money while also fielding a marginally competitive starting staff. The ceiling is quite low for this group, and the floor is shaky at best.

Option 2:
Sonny Gray
Erick Fedde
Andre Pallante
Kyle Gibson/Lance Lynn
Miles Mikolas

The same can be said of this group. It's expensive, it's not very strong, and it's restrictive. In this scenario, Steven Matz is in the bullpen, and one of Gibson or Lynn isn't re-signed (my preference would be Gibson staying with the team, but I'm just splitting hairs at this point). Don't expect this rotation to challenge others throughout the year.

Option 3:
Sonny Gray
Erick Fedde
Andre Pallante
Michael McGreevy/Gordon Graceffo/Quinn Mathews
Miles Mikolas

This rotation is younger and slightly more exciting! I'm assuming Gibson's and Lynn's options are declined, and Matz is moved to the bullpen here. Mikolas stays because no other team would take on his onerous contract. I'm envisioning one of those young guys separating himself during spring training and taking the final rotation spot here.

Option 4:
Sonny Gray
Erick Fedde
*Free agent* (Flaherty/Fried/Manaea/Wacha/Severino)
Andre Pallante
Michael McGreevy/Gordon Graceffo/Quinn Mathews

This is the most preferred rotation for next year. Sonny Gray will take the top spot once again, and the second slot depends on which free agent is acquired. Someone like Max Fried or Jack Flaherty will leapfrog Fedde while a guy like Wacha, Manaea, or Severino will slot in behind Fedde. Behind those three pitchers is Andre Pallante, and a rookie will bring up the rear. This rotation has the most potential for success next year.