St. Louis Cardinals Roster Changes
The St. Louis Cardinals have made significant roster changes as they prepare for the upcoming season. On November 1, the team claimed right-handed pitcher Roddery Muñoz from the Marlins, adding him to their 40-man roster. Muñoz, who hails from the Dominican Republic, made his MLB debut with the Marlins in April after spending six seasons in the Minor Leagues. Despite his potential, Muñoz struggled in 2024, posting a 2-7 record with a 6.53 ERA. He allowed 26 home runs and issued 42 walks over 82⅔ innings pitched. Notably, he led MLB pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched in home runs allowed per nine innings (2.8) and was tied for third in walks per nine innings (4.6).
Free Agency Moves
Several key players from the Cardinals have entered free agency. Paul Goldschmidt, after six seasons with the team, became a free agent. The Cardinals decided not to offer him a Qualifying Offer, although Goldschmidt plans to continue playing in 2025 despite a career-worst .245 batting average this past season. Andrew Kittredge, who finished second in MLB holds with 37, also became a free agent. He had a record of 5-5 with a 2.80 ERA. Matt Carpenter, in his second stint with the Cardinals, appeared in 59 games, hitting .234 with four home runs. Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn also became free agents after the Cardinals declined their options for the next season. Gibson posted an 8-8 record with a 4.24 ERA, while Lynn achieved career milestones in innings pitched and strikeouts.
Injury Updates for the Cardinals
The Cardinals are dealing with several injuries as they look ahead to Spring Training 2025. Willson Contreras suffered a fractured right middle finger but is expected to recover without surgery. He missed seven weeks earlier due to another fracture but led the team in OPS (.848). Sonny Gray was shut down in late September due to right forearm flexor tendinitis. He led the rotation in wins (13), strikeouts (203), and WHIP (1.09). JoJo Romero ended his career year early due to left forearm flexor tendon inflammation, finishing with a 7-3 record over 65 appearances. Lance Lynn also faced right knee irritation, ending his season mid-September. Drew Rom underwent left shoulder surgery but is confident about returning by Spring Training 2025.
Injury Updates Across MLB
In other MLB news, several players are dealing with injuries. Shohei Ohtani sustained a left shoulder subluxation during Game 2 of the World Series. Despite the injury, he remains in the Dodgers’ starting lineup as their leadoff hitter and designated hitter for Game 3 at Yankee Stadium. Evan Phillips was left off the Dodgers’ World Series roster due to right arm discomfort. Meanwhile, Nestor Cortes of the Yankees, who has a left elbow flexor strain, was added to the World Series roster after missing both the ALDS and ALCS.
Rumors and Clarifications
A recent rumor involving Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees suggested that he was under investigation for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The rumor, which circulated on social media, claimed that MLB received an anonymous tip and was actively investigating Judge, with a drug test scheduled before Game 3 of the World Series. However, this claim was proven false. The account spreading the rumor used an AI-generated profile picture and was identified as a source of misinformation. Judge’s career playoff statistics include a .199 batting average, .304 on-base percentage, and .436 slugging percentage, with 15 home runs in his postseason career.
End of an Era for Chris Russo
In media news, Chris Russo‘s longtime show on MLB Network came to an end this week. Russo, known for his passionate and energetic style, has been a staple on the network, providing in-depth analysis and commentary on baseball. His departure marks the end of an era for MLB Network viewers who have followed his show for years.
Looking Ahead
As the MLB season progresses, teams are making strategic moves to strengthen their rosters and address injuries. The Cardinals, in particular, are focused on rebuilding and preparing for the future. With key players entering free agency and others recovering from injuries, the team faces challenges but also opportunities for growth. Across the league, players like Ohtani and Judge continue to capture attention, both for their on-field performances and off-field stories. As fans eagerly follow the World Series and offseason developments, the MLB landscape remains dynamic and full of potential.
