Cardinals Officially Cut Four Players, Including Longtime Fan-Favorite
ST. LOUIS – In a significant roster shakeup, the St. Louis Cardinals have officially parted ways with four players, including a longtime fan-favorite, signaling a new direction for the franchise. The move comes as the team looks to reshape its roster ahead of the 2025 season following a disappointing campaign that saw them miss the playoffs.
A Shocking Departure
Among the released players is veteran infielder and clubhouse leader Paul DeJong, who had been with the Cardinals since his MLB debut in 2017. DeJong, once considered a cornerstone of the franchise, struggled with consistency at the plate in recent seasons. Despite his defensive prowess and leadership, the team ultimately decided to move on as they look to retool their infield.
“Paul has been a great part of this organization for many years, and we truly appreciate everything he has done for us,” said President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “This was a tough decision, but we believe it is in the best interest of both Paul and the team as we move forward.”
Other Players on the Move
In addition to DeJong, the Cardinals also cut ties with reliever Dakota Hudson, outfielder Tyler O’Neill, and backup catcher Andrew Knizner. Hudson, once a promising young starter, struggled with injuries and command issues in recent years, making him a casualty of the team’s efforts to improve their pitching depth. O’Neill, a former Gold Glove winner, never fully regained his offensive consistency, and Knizner’s departure paves the way for younger catching prospects to step into a larger role.
What’s Next for St. Louis?
With these cuts, the Cardinals are signaling a commitment to reshaping their roster and focusing on younger talent. The moves free up roster space and payroll flexibility, allowing the front office to pursue key free-agent targets or explore trade options.
“We have a lot of talented players coming up through our system,” Mozeliak added. “This offseason will be critical for us in building a team that can get back to competing at the highest level.”
Fan Reaction and Future Implications
The decision to part ways with DeJong, in particular, has sparked mixed reactions among Cardinals fans. While some understand the need for change, others feel the loss of a longtime player with deep ties to the team.
As the Cardinals look ahead to spring training, the pressure is on the front office to make the right moves to ensure a successful turnaround. With major questions still lingering about the team’s pitching staff and offensive depth, St. Louis fans will be eagerly watching to see what comes next in this critical offseason.
