St. Louis

Cardinals

During the Cardinals’ Winter Warm-up, Walker spoke to the media and admitted that he didn’t make enough contact in 2024 and wanted to return to the swing he used in 2023 and earlier. “I feel as if I was more comfortable hitting that way.” He worked with Brant Brown to focus on a swing that would allow him to make more consistent contact and drive the ball into the gaps. “Hand placement is really the biggest thing,” said Walker, who admitted that his hands were too far back at the start of his swing, and that prevented him from getting a consistent swing path. With the Cardinals in a bit of a rebuilding phase, Walker should get a chance to earn a starting job again, and at just 22 years old, there remains plenty of upside for Walker who could be a great post-hype pick in fantasy baseball leagues this season.

Winn stole seven bases over the first two months of last season, but essentially stopped running after being moved into the leadoff spot by the Cardinals, going just 4-for-6 in 102 games atop the order. These types of proclamations often don’t last as the season progresses, but Winn clearly has the speed to make it happen. He’s a borderline top 12 mixed league option for fantasy managers heading into 2025, but clearly possesses the power-speed combo upside to finish as a top 10 option.

Liberatore made six starts last season, the last of which came on July 24, and had a 6.35 ERA, compared to 3.69 in his 54 relief appearances. He’s no higher than sixth on the Cardinals’ SP depth chart at the moment, but injuries strike and there is some chance that Erick Fedde or Steven Matz will be traded.

You didn’t think the top priority would be improving the roster, did you? Mozeliak added that an Arenado deal still might not happen prior to camp. The Gold Glover used his full no-trade protection to turn down a move to Houston earlier this winter.

Neither Wetherholt or Mathews have a real shot at breaking camp with the Cardinals, but the pair of top prospects will have an opportunity this spring to leave a lasting impression on the big-league club. Wetherholt was selected seventh overall in the 2024 MLB Draft and looked extremely impressive in his 29-game professional debut at Low-A Palm Beach, posting an .805 OPS with two homers and two steals. Mathews made arguably the biggest jump of any pitching prospect last year, turning an unexpected uptick in fastball velocity into a sparkling 2.76 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 202/49 K/BB ratio across 143 1/3 innings (26 starts) across four levels to close the year at Triple-A Memphis.

The 26-year-old southpaw had been claimed off waivers by the Tigers from the Red Sox in late November, but he became a roster casualty in Motown in late December after the team signed right-hander Alex Cobb. Horn was hit hard in his time with the Red Sox during the 2024 season, registering a 6.50 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and a 13/10 K/BB ratio over his 18 frames. He’ll add bullpen depth for the Cardinals.

The 30-year-old southpaw had been projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $1.5 million via arbitration, so on the surface it looks like a fair deal for both sides. King delivered his strongest season as a professional in 2024, posting a stellar 2.85 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 38/14 K/BB ratio across 60 innings in a middle relief role for the Cardinals. He’ll function in a middle relief role once again in 2025.

The 28-year-old southpaw was a key cog in the Cardinals’ bullpen during the 2024 season, compiling a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and a 51/16 K/BB ratio over 59 innings while notching seven victories and a save. Expect him to reprise that same setup role in front of closer Ryan Helsley during the 2025 campaign.

That’s a $4.2 million raise for Helsley, who won the Trevor Hoffman Award in 2024 as the best closer in the National League after securing a league-leading 49 saves while posting a 2.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 79/23 K/BB ratio across 66 1/3 innings. There’s still a chance that the Cardinals could trade him this off-season since they don’t seem confident in their ability to sign him to a long-term deal.

Arenado has reportedly let it be known that he prefers to be traded to Boston; however, Boston already has Rafael Devers at third base, so they would need to shift other players around to make room for Arenado. Considering the 33-year-old is coming off a down season, there’s a chance the Red Sox don’t want to shake things up too much to bring Arenado in, which means the veteran would need to waive his no-trade clause to other teams. Morosi believes the Mariners and Tigers could have a shot if things don’t work out with Boston, and he would be a huge addition to either of those lineups.