St. Louis Cardinals Decline 2025 Options on Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton, Opt for Buyouts

In a move signaling a shift in the St. Louis Cardinals’ roster plans for the 2025 season, the club announced on Tuesday that it would decline its team options for pitchers Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton. Instead, the Cardinals will exercise $1 million buyouts for each player, effectively making them free agents as the team moves toward reshaping its pitching staff for the future.

The decision to decline the options and buy out the trio comes as part of a larger strategy by the Cardinals to cut costs and prioritize flexibility, especially after a disappointing 2024 season that saw the team miss the postseason for the second consecutive year. With these moves, St. Louis is taking a cautious approach, opting not to commit to significant financial obligations for players who, despite flashes of success, have had mixed performances.

Kyle Gibson’s Declined Option

Kyle Gibson, who was signed by the Cardinals before the 2024 season, came to the team with hopes of providing a steady presence in the starting rotation. The 36-year-old right-hander, however, had an up-and-down campaign, finishing the season with a 4.85 ERA across 31 starts. While he had stretches of effectiveness, particularly in the first half of the season, he struggled to maintain consistency throughout the year, which contributed to the team’s decision to move on.

Gibson’s option for 2025 was valued at $12 million, a number the Cardinals felt was too high given his performance in 2024. The $1 million buyout is a more cost-effective route for the organization as they look to evaluate other starting pitching options moving forward.

Despite his less-than-stellar season, Gibson will likely find interest from other major league teams looking for veteran depth in their rotation. His ability to eat innings and provide stability will be appealing to contenders in need of a back-end starter.

Lance Lynn’s Declined Option

Lance Lynn, another veteran arm, was acquired by the Cardinals in a midseason trade with the Chicago White Sox in 2024. The 37-year-old right-hander, known for his high strikeout rate and home run susceptibility, struggled to live up to expectations in St. Louis. Across 15 appearances with the Cardinals after the trade, Lynn posted a 5.80 ERA, far below the level of production the team had hoped for when bringing him in to bolster the rotation.

Lynn’s 2025 option, valued at $18 million, was seen as a substantial risk for the Cardinals given his performance and age. Like Gibson, Lynn’s volatility on the mound made him an expensive option to retain. The Cardinals chose to buy him out for $1 million instead, parting ways with the veteran after a season that saw him battle inconsistency and command issues.

Though Lynn’s time with St. Louis was short, he remains a potential target for teams in need of a veteran with postseason experience and a power arm. However, at his age and with his recent struggles, the market for Lynn may be more modest than in past years.

Keynan Middleton’s Declined Option

Keynan Middleton, who was acquired by the Cardinals in a trade with the New York Yankees during the 2024 season, was also affected by the team’s decision to decline his option. Middleton, 30, was expected to bring stability to the bullpen after a solid start to the year with the Yankees. However, in his time with St. Louis, he failed to consistently find his rhythm, posting a 4.91 ERA in 18 appearances for the Cardinals.

Middleton’s 2025 option was for $5.5 million, but the Cardinals opted to buy him out for $1 million after his struggles in the second half of the season. With his inconsistent performance and the emergence of other bullpen arms, St. Louis decided that the financial commitment was not worth the risk.

The move signals that the Cardinals will likely look for bullpen reinforcements in the offseason, either via trade or free agency, with an eye toward building a more reliable and dynamic relief corps for the future.

A New Chapter for the Cardinals

With these buyouts, the Cardinals free up valuable financial resources as they enter an important offseason. While the team remains committed to rebuilding a championship-caliber roster, it’s clear that St. Louis is looking to make smarter, more calculated investments as it seeks to return to playoff contention in 2025.

The club’s decision to part ways with Gibson, Lynn, and Middleton is a signal of their desire to clear the deck for younger talent and potentially explore new pitching options in free agency or through trade. With key players like Adam Wainwright retiring and several other aging veterans on the roster, the Cardinals may seek to retool their pitching staff with a focus on youth, durability, and upside.

The 2025 season remains an open question for the Cardinals, but for now, the front office’s decision to buy out these three players reflects their commitment to maintaining financial flexibility and positioning themselves for a more competitive future.