The St. Louis Cardinals aren’t wasting any time this offseason. They’re making bold moves, and it’s obvious—they want a more balanced, competitive roster.
The biggest headline so far? They traded starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. But, from what’s floating around, the front office isn’t done yet.
Now, all eyes are on hard-throwing lefty reliever JoJo Romero. His breakout 2025 season has made him a hot trade target for contenders chasing bullpen help.
Cardinals Signal an Active Offseason Strategy
Sending Gray to Boston before the Winter Meetings says a lot about the Cardinals’ mindset. They’re not sitting back and waiting for the market to develop.
Instead, they’re reaching out and working the phones. The word rebuild hasn’t come up, but it feels like a transition—refreshing the roster without gutting it.
JoJo Romero Emerges as a Trade Target
Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports that teams were already calling about Romero, even before the Gray trade wrapped up. At just 29, and with team control through 2026, Romero offers a lot to clubs who want bullpen help without gambling in free agency.
Romero’s 2025 was a real turnaround. He put up a sharp 2.07 ERA in 65 games, striking out 55 and walking 29 over 61 innings.
After the Ryan Helsley trade, Romero took over closing duties and racked up eight saves—more than twice his previous best.
Why Romero’s Value Is Rising
The reliever market is always a bit wild, but Romero checks a lot of boxes for teams:
Impact on the Cardinals’ Bullpen
If they move Romero, the Cardinals will have a real hole in the late innings. Losing both Helsley and Romero means they’d need to lean on younger, less proven arms—or maybe get a solid reliever back in a deal.
That might get shaky for a bit, but it could also let new faces step up and surprise everyone.
A Roster Transition, Not a Full Rebuild
The Cardinals aren’t tearing it all down. The core is still there, with experienced players leading the way.
The front office seems focused on adding younger, affordable talent through trades, not just clearing house.
What Could Come Next
With the front office open to offers, St. Louis might consider moving more veterans for prospects or players with longer-term upside. That could mean dealing mid-rotation starters, bench bats, or defenders where they have some depth.
Honestly, for fans, all this action is exciting but a bit nerve-racking. Watching familiar faces leave isn’t easy, but sometimes it leads to a refresh that makes the team more competitive—especially if the new guys can step in and contribute right away.
Final Thoughts
JoJo Romero’s name just keeps popping up in hot stove talks, and honestly, it makes sense. He’s got that rare mix of production, control, and lefty dominance that contenders crave.
The Cardinals’ front office sounds open to offers, so a deal could come together fast. It’s hard not to wonder if he’ll still be in St. Louis by spring.
Here is the source article for this story: Cardinals 29-Year-Old Pitcher Could Be Next To Go For St. Louis
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s