Cardinals on the Hunt for Free Agent Setup Reliever as Offseason Moves Stay Quiet
The St. Louis Cardinals are actively seeking a free-agent setup reliever, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. However, the team has yet to make any significant MLB-level signings this offseason and is unlikely to target the top-tier free agent relievers.
Replacing Key Setup Man In 2024, Andrew Kittredge was a key piece in the Cardinals’ bullpen, leading the National League with 37 holds. His steady presence in the eighth inning played a major role in helping closer Ryan Helsley lead MLB in saves. Kittredge had a career-best season, appearing in 74 games, posting a 2.80 ERA, and striking out more batters than he allowed hits.
Despite his strong performance, Kittredge is now a free agent, and it’s uncertain if the Cardinals will be able to re-sign him, as he’s expected to command a higher salary than they are willing to offer. However, if his market remains slow, the team has not ruled out a potential reunion.
Seeking Affordable Relief Help While the Cardinals are looking to add a setup reliever, their offseason activity has been relatively quiet. The team has made just three minor league signings, while several key players, including Kittredge, Paul Goldschmidt, Lance Lynn, and others, have entered free agency.
Andrew Kittredge
The Cardinals are also reportedly shopping high-priced players like Nolan Arenado and Steven Matz, with the aim of trimming their payroll. They are expected to hold off on major signings until they have more clarity on potential trades, focusing on developing younger talent and avoiding the “rebuilding” label.
Maintaining a Strong Bullpen In 2024, the Cardinals bullpen finished with a solid 3.64 ERA, ranking seventh in the league. Much of this success can be attributed to the performance of the starting rotation, which allowed the bullpen to avoid overuse.
In addition to Helsley and JoJo Romero, who both recorded 30+ holds, the Cardinals will bring back five other pitchers who logged at least 30 innings in 2024. While they have a strong bullpen foundation, adding a free-agent reliever could help sustain that success for the 2025 season. If not, they will look to their minor league talent to step up and contribute.
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