Cardinals' early offseason moves should allow Reds to find foothold in NL Central

The World Series is over and the offseason is officially upon us. While the Cincinnati Reds have yet to make announcements as it relates to a number of impending contract decisions, one of their NL Central counterparts is following through on their promise to dump a lot of salary heading into 2025.

Much to the surprise of fans throughout the Gateway City, the St. Louis Cardinals are planning to undergo a rebuild. The Cardinals have a plan to shed a boatload of salary this offseason, and got started right away by declining three team-options on Thursday.

The Cardinals turned down the ability to bring back the trio of Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Keynan Middleton next season. All three pitchers inked one-year deals with St. Louis last season, but by declining the team-options, the Cardinals will save approximately $30 million in payroll next season.

Cardinals' early offseason moves should allow Reds to find foothold in NL Central

The Cardinals are effectively waving the white flag on the 2025 season. In addition to cutting ties with the aforementioned three pitchers, St. Louis will be looking to trade Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado this offseason. Paul Goldschmidt is also expected to flee St. Louis this winter via free agency.

That takes at least one NL Central contender out of the mix for next season. Seeing as how the Pittsburgh Pirates are perpetual cellar-dwellers, it would seem that Cincinnati really has to outlast only the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers in 2025. While the Cubs are expected to spend this offseason, the Brewers may well look to offload Devin Williams and will likely lose free agent shortstop Willy Adames.

The Reds are sitting pretty heading into the offseason. Cincinnati has supplanted David Bell with Terry Francona — that's got to be worth a handful of wins right there. If the Reds can make some key additions to the outfield and pitching staff (and stay healthy), Cincinnati may well be the team to beat next season.

But it's a long offseason, Reds fans. There's no telling which free agents or trade partners Cincinnati plans to pursue this winter, but signing Francona to lead the way is a clear sign that the Reds will look to compete in 2025.

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