The St. Louis Cardinals Sell Off Relievers at 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, Embracing Rebuilding Phase
The St. Louis Cardinals made some major moves at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, parting ways with three of their relievers in order to bolster the rosters of various contenders. This decision serves as a clear indication that the Cardinals have accepted that this year is not their year, and for the first time in a while, they are entering a rebuilding phase.
In a recent piece for MLB.com, John Denton delved into the details of the Cardinals’ rebuilding plans following the trade deadline. According to Denton, the team’s fans should brace themselves for a less-than-ideal final two months of the season, as the young ball club adjusts to their new roster and faces challenges along the way.
“The final two months of this season probably aren’t going to be much fun for Cardinals fans or easy for the young ball club,” Denton writes, highlighting the team’s struggles in a recent three-game stretch where they only managed to score one run from Tuesday to Friday.
The St. Louis Cardinals Sell Off Relievers at 2025 Trade Deadline, Begin Rebuilding Process
The St. Louis Cardinals made some major moves at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, sending three relievers to different contenders. This marked a significant shift for the team, as they acknowledged that this year is not their year and they are now entering a rebuilding phase.
According to John Denton of MLB.com, the Cardinals’ plans for rebuilding were outlined in a recent piece following the trade deadline. Denton did not sugarcoat the situation, stating that the next two months will not be easy for the team or their fans, as evidenced by their recent struggles on the field.
“The final two months of this season probably aren’t going to be much fun for Cardinals fans or easy for the young ball club,” Denton writes, “as evidenced by the Cards scoring one run in a three-game stretch from Tuesday to Friday.”
The trades of Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton were all part of the team’s efforts to get the most value out of players on expiring contracts. They also attempted to move other key players like Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Miles Mikolas, but were unable to due to no-trade clauses.
It is clear that the Cardinals are fully committed to rebuilding, with Denton stating that this process will likely extend into the 2026 season. While rebuilding can be difficult and painful to endure, there is some hope for the future with the emergence of top prospect JJ Wetherholt and other promising young players in the minor leagues.
However, in the short term, it will not be an easy road for both the players and the fans. Rebuilding requires patience and a willingness to endure some tough times, but it can ultimately lead to sustained success, as seen with many other teams in baseball history.
So while the Cardinals may have a tough road ahead, there is still reason to be excited for the future. But for now, it’s important for everyone to buckle in and weather the storm as the team works towards building a stronger and more competitive roster.
