In a recent discussion with readers, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explored the futures of several upcoming free agents on the Cardinals’ roster. The most prominent of these is Paul Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star and 2022 NL MVP. Goold mentioned that the team plans to discuss Goldschmidt’s potential return after the season, drawing a parallel to the situation the Cardinals had with Adam Wainwright later in his career, where the team allowed him to reach free agency before finalizing a previously agreed-upon contract.
This context suggests a strong mutual interest in extending Goldschmidt’s stay in St. Louis beyond this season. The veteran first baseman, who will turn 37 next month, has been with the Cardinals for six years following his trade from the Diamondbacks, which ended his tenure in Arizona a year before he would have become a free agent. Although Goldschmidt’s performance in his thirties with the Cardinals hasn’t been as stellar as his peak years in Arizona, he remains a top offensive player, boasting a .286/.373/.500 slash line (138 wRC+) with St. Louis heading into 2024.
Despite entering the 2024 season as one of the most appealing offensive free agents due to his consistent hitting and recent MVP honor, Goldschmidt’s performance has declined this year. He’s hitting just .228/.288/.384 (91 wRC+) across 110 games. As players often face age-related decline in their mid-to-late thirties, Goldschmidt’s first subpar offensive season at age 36 raises concerns for potential suitors.
A return to the Cardinals could benefit both parties. The team currently lacks a clear replacement for Goldschmidt at first base, with their young hitters mainly positioned as middle infielders or outfielders. Luken Baker, the only first baseman on the 40-man roster under control for 2025, has yet to make a significant impact in the majors after a brief stint in 2023, where he struggled with a high strikeout rate and a wRC+ of 79. Keeping Goldschmidt would provide the team with a seasoned veteran while they evaluate future first base options.
For Goldschmidt, a return to St. Louis would offer a familiar environment to regain form in 2025 with a team that has supported him through his recent struggles. Notably, there is some positive recent performance to build on: after a rough start to the season with a .530 OPS in 37 games, Goldschmidt has rebounded to a more respectable .247/.294/.446 in his last 316 plate appearances, translating to an above-average wRC+ of 108.
In addition to Goldschmidt, Goold mentioned two other potential free-agent reunions: relievers Keynan Middleton and Andrew Kittredge. Goold suggested that a return for Middleton seems more probable, noting “mutual interest” in negotiating a deal with the 30-year-old, who has missed the entire 2024 season due to flexor tendon surgery. The Cardinals have a $6M club option with a $1M buyout for Middleton for 2025, but it’s possible they might decline it and pursue a less costly agreement instead. Middleton had a solid 3.38 ERA in 51 games last year, showing particular promise with a 1.88 ERA during his stint with the Yankees. Meanwhile, Kittredge, who has posted a 3.12 ERA and a 4.19 FIP in 49 innings this season, will likely seek a raise from his $2.263M salary as he moves past arbitration.