The 2025 MLB free agency period is gearing up to be quite the spectacle, with every team strategizing to fill gaps, bolster their rosters, and make impactful signings. Among them, the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals stand out, eyeing some promising names to solidify their squads.
The St. Louis Cardinals are already preparing for what they hope to be a rebound season, targeting impending free agents from playoff teams. With the pressure to manage payroll and improve their pitching staff, three players have emerged prominently on the Cardinals' radar: Tommy Kahnle from the Yankees, Sean Manaea from the Mets, and Shane Bieber from the Guardians. Each of these pitchers carries unique strengths, but they also come with varying risks. Kahnle, for example, had a solid year with a 2.11 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 42.2 innings. Manaea showed resilience during the playoffs with a 3.47 ERA, and Bieber, recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been reliable throughout his career with a 3.22 ERA, with hopes set for his return by May 2025.
Yet the Cardinals face challenges, primarily with their tight budget and the health concerns surrounding injury-prone players. The upcoming negotiations will be a balancing act as they aim to meet short-term needs without compromising long-term commitments. They must identify pitching options who can significantly impact their performance, particularly within the bullpen, which has been under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are projected to make notable moves as they seek to revamp their lackluster bullpen from 2024. After the expected departures of closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Chris Martin, reports have surfaced about the Red Sox's interest in signing Padres' lefty Tanner Scott as their key free agency addition. Despite some drop-off post-trade to San Diego, Scott's previous performance included being named to the All-Star team with the Marlins, showcasing his ability with a dominant 1.18 ERA earlier this year. Analysts predict the Red Sox may need to spend around four years and $66 million to bring him aboard, but this hefty price tag may well pay off if it can fix the bullpen woes.
Adding Scott aligns with the Red Sox's vision of stable bullpen structures rather than mixing and matching various options. The expected contribution from Scott and potential shifts within their relief crew, such as Garrett Whitlock returning to the bullpen after undergoing Tommy John surgery, could very well streamline their pitching strategy for the upcoming season.
But it doesn’t stop there for the Red Sox—starting pitching presents another challenge, as acquiring talent through free agency appears tricky. They might look toward trades to find suitable starters, capitalizing on their surplus of position players and promising prospects like outfielder Roman Anthony and shortstop Marcelo Mayer, both considered among the top talents league-wide. This young crop could be the key to asset acquisition for desired starting pitching talent.
Among the candidates mentioned is Sandy Alcantara, the former Cardinal and past Cy Young winner, who has regained traction as one of the most coveted trade chips available. Having had earlier struggles during his brief stint with the Cardinals, Alcantara reinvented himself with the Marlins, earning accolades for his remarkable skill set. Now returning from surgery, the Cardinals might very well contemplate his acquisition for the necessary upgrades.
With multiple teams entering the market, the outcomes of these negotiations and the free-agent signings could redefine team strengths heading toward the 2025 season. Both the Red Sox and Cardinals are poised to make strategic investments aimed at enhancing their competitive edge through dynamic roster changes and pragmatic management, potentially setting them up for significant improvements.
The excitement surrounding the 2025 MLB free agent signings will not only add layers to these preparation phases but will also engage fans eager to see how their teams adapt to improve.
