Key Offseason Changes
Nolan Arenado Traded to Diamondbacks
Eight-time All-Star shipped out with Cardinals paying $11M of remaining salary. Jack Martinez received in return.
Sonny Gray Traded to Red Sox
Ace dealt for RHP Richard Fitts and LHP Brandon Clarke (top-10 org prospects). Fitts goes directly into rotation.
Willson Contreras Traded to Red Sox
Star catcher moves east. Return includes Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo (top prospect), and Blake Aita.
Dustin May Signed ($12.5M)
Former Dodgers ace becomes highest-paid Cardinal. Seeking healthy season after multiple injuries.
Ryne Stanek Signed
Veteran reliever adds experience to young bullpen. High-leverage setup role expected.
Brendan Donovan Traded to Mariners
Donovan dealt to Seattle in January 2026 as part of Cardinals' roster overhaul. JJ Wetherholt steps in as the everyday second baseman.
Projected Starting Lineup
| Order | Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SS | Masyn Winn | Exciting young SS, face of rebuild |
| 2 | 2B | JJ Wetherholt | Top prospect, 7th overall pick 2024 |
| 3 | RF | Jordan Walker | Top prospect, breakout potential |
| 4 | DH | Nolan Gorman | Power bat, strikeout concerns |
| 5 | 1B | Alec Burleson | Solid contact, developing power |
| 6 | LF | Lars Nootbaar | Fan favorite, high energy player |
| 7 | C | Ivan Herrera | Takes over after Contreras trade |
| 8 | CF | Victor Scott II | Elite speed, defensive weapon |
| 9 | 3B | Thomas Saggese | Prospect gets opportunity post-Arenado |
Projected Starting Rotation
| Slot | Pitcher | Throws | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin May | RHP | $12.5M, ace of rebuild, injury history |
| 2 | Richard Fitts | RHP | Acquired from BOS in Gray trade |
| 3 | Matthew Liberatore | LHP | Former top prospect gets full opportunity |
| 4 | Michael McGreevy | RHP | Control-first prospect, command artist |
| 5 | Gordon Graceffo | RHP | Slider-heavy arm, strikeout upside |
Bullpen & Closer Situation
With no established closer and a completely revamped roster, the Cardinals bullpen is wide open. Ryne Stanek brings the most experience, but this is a young group still finding roles. The team is clearly prioritizing development over wins, so expect plenty of young arms getting high-leverage opportunities.
| Role | Pitcher | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CL | Ryne Stanek | Veteran gets first crack at saves |
| SU | JoJo Romero | Trade candidate to Seattle |
| SU | Ryan Fernandez | Power arm, high strikeout rate |
| MID | Matt Svanson | Young arm getting development time |
| MID | Chris Roycroft | Depth option, flexible role |
| LR | Riley O'Brien | Long relief, spot starts possible |
Prop Betting Angles
After a challenging rookie year, Walker gets everyday RF playing time in a pressure-free environment. His season-long HR and RBI props are likely set conservatively. With raw power and a simplified approach, over 20 HRs is very achievable if props are deflated from his rookie struggles.
The dynamic young shortstop brings speed and athleticism. In a rebuild year with less at stake, Winn will run freely. Nightly stolen base props offer value, especially against poor throwing catchers. Could push 25+ SBs on the season.
Gorman's power comes with massive strikeout concerns. His over strikeout props are often good plays. If the line is set at 1.5 Ks, the over hits frequently. The rebuild context means less pressure but also less protection in the lineup.
May has ace-level stuff when right. His strikeout props could be undervalued early if oddsmakers are cautious about his injury history. If he shows velocity in spring, K overs become attractive at deflated lines.
With Contreras gone, Herrera becomes the primary catcher. His counting stats (hits, RBIs) should increase significantly from limited backup work. Season props may not reflect full-time role adjustment.
Liberatore, McGreevy, and Graceffo are all unproven at the MLB level. Their walk totals could be higher than expected as they develop command. Target over walk props in their early starts of the season.