Three Cardinals Hurlers Reportedly Could Be Let Go To Open Up Roster Spots For Free Agency

It appears as though the Cardinals could open up roster space with free agency coming

Changes are coming to the St. Louis Cardinals. 

St. Louis had one of the worst seasons in team history in 2023 and won just 71 games despite massive expectations. The Cardinals won 93 games in 2022 and seemingly improved on paper but it didn't translate to the field. St. Louis will be one of the most active clubs this offseason as they look to get back to the postseason and three players who could be non-tendered to make room on the roster are pitchers Jake Woodford, Jacob Barnes, and Dakota Hudson, according to The Athletic's Katie Woo. 

"Of the above names, Barnes is a candidate to be non-tendered," Woo said. "Woodford and Hudson are candidates as well, but to a lesser extent given the organization's dire need for pitching depth, even at the Triple-A level."

Barnes joined the Cardinals ahead of the 2023 campaign and appeared in just 13 games. The right-handed reliever struggled in a small sample size while allowing nine earned runs across 13 2/3 innings pitched for a 5.93 ERA. At this point, it certainly would make sense for the Cardinals to let him go to open up a spot on the roster to be filled in free agency or through trade. 

Woodford has spent his entire four-year big league career with the Cardinals and has a career 4.29 ERA. He made 15 appearances with St. Louis in 2023 -- including eight starts -- and pitched to a 6.23 ERA. If the Cardinals opt to hang on to him, he likely pencils in as a Triple-A starter.

Hudson is the most intriguing name on this list. He's 29 years old and struggled in 2023 with a 4.98 ERA in 18 appearances -- including 12 starts. Although this is the case, he does have a few impressive seasons. He compiled a 3.35 ERA across 32 starts in 2019 and was serviceable in 2022 with a 4.45 ERA with 26 starts. He could be used as depth for the rotation or even in the bullpen.  

It's clear the Cardinals will be busy this offseason and we could see some familiar names on their way out of town. 

More MLB: Young Cardinals Outfielder Reportedly Will Be 'Sought-After' Trade Candidate This Winter