The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be entering a rebuilding phase, which has fueled numerous trade rumors in recent weeks.
The team is expected to explore potential deals involving some of its top players, possibly trading valuable assets to acquire more highly regarded prospects with longer team control. This strategy would position the Cardinals well for long-term success, especially with a young core already in place.
At the same time, the Cardinals might look to supplement the roster with experienced players during this transition. Signing a veteran or two in free agency could help stabilize the team and provide leadership through the early stages of the rebuild.
According to MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Cardinals are among the best fits for Chicago Cubs free-agent pitcher Brad Keller this offseason. Bowden projected that Keller could command a two-year, $15 million contract.
After spending most of his career as a starter with the Kansas City Royals, Keller transitioned to the bullpen in 2024, splitting time between the White Sox and Red Sox. In 2025 with the Cubs, he fully embraced a relief role, appearing in 68 games and posting an impressive 2.94 FIP. His strong performance made him a key contributor to the Cubs’ bullpen success and positioned him as a valuable high-leverage reliever heading into free agency.
