The Cardinals could make a $73 million offer for the starter and high-leverage reliever

There are a lot of interesting players in free agency and the St. Louis Cardinals should look to add at least a little.

St. Louis won 83 games in 2024, and even if it trades away some talent this winter, it could still win some games in 2025. Changes are on the way for the Cardinals and it doesn’t look like the 2025 season will be one where the team competes, but perhaps they could surprise us.

The New York Mets found themselves in a similar situation last offseason — albeit with a much larger payroll. New York had a difficult 2023 season and appeared to use the 2024 season as a bridge year.

New York invested in veterans in short-term rebuilding deals, and things worked out in their favor. To the surprise of many, the Mets managed to advance to the National League Championship Series. The Cardinals may not have high expectations for the 2025 season, but there are players worth investing in.

Two players the Cardinals should consider are former Mets starter Sean Manaea and former Boston Red Sox reliever Chris Martin. Manaea was one of the main reasons the Mets made a deep playoff run. He posted a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts for the Mets and is expected to sign a contract worth nearly $72 million over four years this offseason.

Martin spent the last two seasons with the Boston Red Sox and had a 3.45 ERA in 2024 and a 1.05 ERA in 2023. He is now 38 years old and is expected to sign a contract worth approximately $1. $4 million to close.

The reason deals like this could work is that Martin could help add another weapon to the bullpen without breaking the bank. Manaea would be expensive, but a four-year deal would make him a permanent fixture for the future even after Chaim Bloom takes over.

This is just a hypothesis, but it could help make the Cardinals better without spending too much money.

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