Cardinals' looming offseason teardown could help the Reds in more ways than one

Are the St. Louis Cardinals undergoing a rebuild? Based on recent comments from the Cardinals' front office, it would certainly seem that way. St. Louis is undertaking a shift in philosophy, and after years of fielding one of the best rosters in baseball, the Cardinals are beginning to focus on player development.

Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak is stepping down after the 2025 season, and will be replaced by former Boston Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom. But it would appear that Mozeliak's marching orders heading into the offseason are to clear the books of the Cardinals' top talent.

According to John Denton of MLB.com, Mozeliak has had conversations with several St. Louis veterans, explaining that the Cardinals will be increasing playing time for their younger players in 2025. This could help the Cincinnati Reds in more ways than one.

The Reds pursuit of an NL Central title will have one less competitor in 2025

What this amounts to, if the Cardinals follow through with their plan, is no different that what the Reds did a couple of years ago. Cincinnati traded away all their veteran assets, including the likes of Eugenio Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Jesse Winker before the start of the 2022 season.

The Reds lost 100 games in 2022, but by moving on from some of their elder statesmen, Cincinnati was able to usher in a youth movement the following season. Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Andrew Abbott, and others became the core of what the Reds hope will be a winning ball club.

But as Reds fans have seen, these things take time. Cincinnati's increased excitement has yet to produce playoff baseball, but with a budding superstar (De La Cruz) and a new leader in the dugout (Terry Francona), Reds fans are excited for what's to come in 2025. With the Cardinals tearing it all down, that's one less team who'll be in Cincinnati's way heading into next season.

The Reds could pursue a trade for Cardinals starter Sonny Gray

If the Cardinals are looking to move several veteran players this offseason, the Reds should be at the front of the line for Gray's services. The former Reds hurler and 2023 AL Cy Young finalist has a hefty salary on the books that the Cardinals will be looking to offload this offseason.

The Reds will no doubt be looking to add a starter to the rotation this winter. Cincinnati's pitching staff was hit hard by injuries in 2024, and with Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar set to miss all of 2025 after undergoing surgery, the Reds need reinforcements.

Gray's contract is pricey, but with so many players making the league minimum, the Reds could absorb the cost. Gray is slated to make $25 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026. That's a massive payday for an aging starter, but Cincinnati was rumored to be interested in the three-time All-Star last offseason. If St. Louis is looking to unload money from their payroll, the return package could be relatively light if the Reds are willing to take on the entire contract.

Watching the Cardinals' tear it all down and start from scratch while also securing a frontline starter for next season would be a win-win for the Reds. The Cincinnati faithful will be closely monitoring St. Louis during the upcoming offseason.

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