Cardinals Decline Options On 3 Players
The Cardinals have declined club options on Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton
The Cardinals announced that they have declined the 2025 club options for pitchers Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton; all 3 are now free agents.
Gibson pretty much pitched as expected, making 30 starts with a .500 record and just under a 4.50 ERA. He didn’t eat as many innings as he previously did, but he was one of the most reliable pitchers in the 2024 rotation. He made $13M last season, and his Fangraphs $/WAR value was $11.7M. His option was worth $12M, but he’ll receive a $1M buyout. Of the 3 pitchers, Gibson is the one I’d expect the Cardinals to try to re-sign; both parties are interested in a reunion.
Lynn didn’t pitch as expected, but he didn’t pitch poorly either. He was 7-4 with a 3.84 ERA, but only in 23 starts; he missed time with knee problems, which have started becoming a reoccurring issue for the pitcher. He pitched for $10M in 2024, and his Fangraphs $/WAR value was $10.7M. The team would rather pay a $1M payout instead of $12M for next season. While Lynn is a fan favorite, he’s also towards the end of his career and it appears his better days are behind him. Again, the Cardinals would entertain bringing him back, but for less than $10M.
Middleton was expected to be a key part of the bullpen in 2024, but the pitcher never made an appearance after a spring training forearm strain. It was a given that he would not be returning for $6M; instead they’ll pay him $1M to leave. He’ll definitely catch on somewhere, but I’d expect a minor league deal; the Cardinals could bring him back if the price is right.
In addition to these 3, the Cardinals are also set to lose Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Kittredge, and Matt Carpenter to free agency.