As the St. Louis Cardinals head into the offseason, the team faces tough decisions with its current roster.
With a clear intention to reduce payroll, the Cardinals will have to consider cost-effective options, particularly with their pitching staff.
Among the pressing choices is whether to retain Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn, two veterans who have club options for the 2025 season.
Picking up Gibson would cost the team $13 million, while Lynn’s option sits at $11 million.
If St. Louis is serious about trimming expenses, declining both options could free up significant salary space.
The Cardinals could then turn to the free-agent market in search of a more affordable yet effective starting pitcher. One potential candidate for this role is Kansas City Royals All-Star Michael Lorenzen.
Lorenzen, set to become a free agent this winter, offers a strong case for consideration.
Projected by Spotrac to secure a deal worth $13.33 million over two years, Lorenzen’s contract would carry a manageable $6.67 million annual value, making him a more economical choice than either Lynn or Gibson.
Lorenzen is not only a budget-friendly option but also a pitcher with proven talent. His transition to a starting role in 2022 was a turning point in his career, and by 2023, he had earned an All-Star nod. In 2024, Lorenzen built on his success, posting an impressive 3.31 ERA across 26 appearances, 24 of which were starts.
At just 32 years old, Lorenzen’s trajectory suggests that he could continue to excel as a starter, potentially becoming a key asset for the Cardinals’ pitching rotation.
Given his solid performance and lower price tag, Lorenzen seems like an ideal fit for a team like the Cardinals, who are looking to maintain competitiveness without overspending.
If the financial projections hold, bringing Lorenzen on board could provide St. Louis with the pitching stability it needs while also alleviating some of the payroll pressure.
In the end, the Cardinals have a chance to bring in a capable pitcher at a reasonable cost, aligning with their financial goals for the upcoming season. Lorenzen, with his consistent improvement and experience, could be the perfect solution to bolster the Cardinals’ rotation in 2025.
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