The Cardinals made their first moves to reduce payroll for the 2025 season on Thursday by declining the team options for pitchers Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson and Keynan Middleton.
The moves make the three free agents, available to sign with any team when that window opens on Monday.
The moves were expected as the Cardinals previously said they intend to have a lower team payroll in 2025. Each of the three players will receive a $1 million buyout.
The option for both Gibson and Lynn’s contract for 2025 would have been $12 million while the salary for Middleton, who didn’t play this season because of an injury, would have been $6 million.
The decision also opens up three spots on the team’s 40-man roster.
Of the three, the most likely to try to cut a deal and return for 2025 at a reduced salary could be Gibson, who makes his off-season home in the St. Louis area.
It’s also possible the Cardinals will wait to see if they are able to trade any of their other current starters before deciding whether or not to re-sign Gibson.
