As auction drafts approach for the 2025 fantasy baseball season, savvy managers can find under-the-radar hitters with average auction values under $10 that enhance their rosters without breaking the bank. Targeting players like Michael Toglia, who demonstrated impressive power metrics with the Colorado Rockies, and Jurickson Profar, who thrived after joining the Atlanta Braves, can deliver solid returns. Brandon Nimmo remains a reliable option despite a dip in performance, while Kerry Carpenter is positioned to bounce back strongly after a breakthrough season. Eugenio Suarez also offers consistent power at a low cost, making these players must-haves for budget-conscious drafters.

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to leverage the experience and leadership of Sonny Gray while navigating a transitional phase within the organization. After initially considering trading the veteran pitcher to clear payroll, they now see him as a valuable asset for mentoring young talent such as Michael McGreevy and Andre Pallante. Newcomer Quinn Mathews has expressed excitement about learning from Gray, having impressed in the minors with strong stats, including an 8-5 record and a 2.76 ERA last season.

As the Cardinals gear up for the 2025 season, they remain hopeful that the combination of Gray's expertise and the promising abilities of their younger pitchers will solidify their rotation. While Gray and Erick Fedde are the only established pitchers, Mathews' performance during spring training could signal a brighter future for the Cardinals' starting lineup.

The St. Louis Cardinals are poised for a pivotal offseason as they reevaluate their roster after two consecutive playoff absences. Initially, the organization aimed to part with star third baseman Nolan Arenado, whose hefty $64 million contract has been a focal point in discussions. With the start of the season imminent, it appears Arenado will remain with the team, at least for now.

The Cardinals' strategy seems to hinge on the upcoming trade deadline, particularly in light of rumors linking pitcher Sonny Gray to the New York Mets. Gray, who had a solid 2024 season with a 3.84 ERA, is under a backloaded contract that might necessitate the Cardinals to absorb part of his salary to facilitate a trade. Despite his strong performance, Gray has shown reluctance to waive his no-trade clause, as he values his role in mentoring the younger players in St. Louis. However, if the Cardinals struggle early, they might have to reconsider their stance and explore trade opportunities to enhance their farm system.

As the fantasy baseball season approaches, identifying key pitchers for points leagues becomes essential. Focus on strikeouts and innings pitched, as these factors heavily influence scoring. Top targets for 2025 include Minnesota Twins' Pablo Lopez, a starter with a consistent ERA below 4.10 and nearly 200 strikeouts last season. San Francisco Giants' Logan Webb offers incredible value with his innings leader status and strong ERA, making him an ideal mid-round choice. St. Louis Cardinals' Sonny Gray, entering his 13th season, maintains impressive strikeout numbers and low WHIP, further solidifying his mid-round appeal. Finally, despite a season-ending injury, Twins' Joe Ryan's strikeout potential makes him a worthy selection in rounds nine or ten.

The St. Louis Cardinals have added three starting pitchers during the offseason: Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. However, only Gray is currently signed for the 2025 season, leaving Lynn and Gibson's futures uncertain. Reports indicate that several teams are interested in Lynn, particularly as a potential reliever, although some still view him as a starter. The Texas Rangers are identified as a team that could benefit from Lynn’s experience as a sixth starter, especially given their rotation uncertainties surrounding Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, both recovering from injuries. Lynn, a former All-Star for the Cardinals, had a solid year in St. Louis with a 3.84 ERA over 23 starts.