Cardinals Decline Options on Key Veterans, Signal Youth Movement

The St. Louis Cardinals are cutting payroll and focusing on younger talent by not renewing contracts for three veteran pitchers.

The Cardinals have declined 2025 contract options for pitchers Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton, opting to pay $1 million buyouts to each.
This decision is part of a broader strategy to reduce payroll and create more opportunities for younger, homegrown players.
The moves free up approximately $26 million, which the Cardinals plan to use to gain financial and roster flexibility.
Veterans such as Gibson and Lynn were initially signed to bolster the pitching staff but did not lead the team to a playoff berth.
The Cardinals are also facing potential revenue declines due to uncertainties with their broadcast partner, further influencing their cost-cutting measures.