Three Cardinals Whose Contracts Should Be Terminated by August's End
St. Louis Cardinals Pondering Roster Changes Amid Struggling Season
The St. Louis Cardinals are considering reshaping their roster as the 2025 season progresses, with several players potentially facing the chopping block by the end of August. Among those under scrutiny are Garrett Hampson, Ryan Fernandez, and Pedro Pages.
The team's decision to cut ties with underperforming or non-essential players, as well as those with expiring contracts, has been evident in recent trades and releases. The Cardinals have been focusing on acquiring younger talent or improving overall team productivity [1][4].
The trading of several relievers around the deadline signals a shift that suggests other players, such as Hampson, Fernandez, and Pages, may also be removed to open roster spots for players seen as part of the long-term plan [1][4].
The emphasis is on adding veteran leadership and consistent productivity, a factor that some young or inconsistently performing players, including Hampson, Fernandez, and Pages, have lacked [1].
Though specific details about Fernandez, Hampson, and Pages were not prominent in the search results, the general pattern of cutting ties with players not contributing significantly or not projecting as part of the roster moving forward applies [2][4]. Reports have highlighted the Cardinals' need to cut or option players to Triple-A who are underperforming or redundant, especially as injured players return and younger talent earns promotion [2][4].
The team appears focused on roster flexibility, development of prospects, and stronger pitching depth, which may disadvantage fringe roster players. Additionally, certain relievers have been optioned to Triple-A to accommodate others returning from injury, indicating a probable similar fate for less vital players [2][5].
In the farm system, Nathan Church, an outfielder, could be a potential replacement for Hampson. Church has been impressing with a .329/.387/.521 slash line, 12 home runs, and 15 stolen bases this year [3].
Meanwhile, Chris Roycroft and Jorge Alcala could be viable replacements for Fernandez in the Cardinals' bullpen. Jimmy Crooks, the Cardinals' No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, could step in as Pedro Pages's replacement [3].
To maintain Crooks's rookie status for the 2026 season, the Cardinals will have to wait to promote him until after August 15th [3].
As the Cardinals hover around the .500 mark for a month, a postseason berth is becoming less likely. The organization needs to focus more on the future [3].
Garrett Hampson, who was claimed by the Cardinals in June, has struggled with a .143/.182/.190 slash line in 22 plate appearances for the Cardinals [3]. Pedro Pages's production at the plate has been poor, ranking 7th to last among players with at least 250 plate appearances [3].
Ryan Fernandez struggled early in the season but saw greater results in Triple-A [3]. The Cardinals have replaced three of their most reliable relievers with Roddery Munoz, Andre Granillo, and Ryan Fernandez, suggesting a shift in the team's priorities [3].
The St. Louis Cardinals are at a critical juncture, with tough decisions looming as they strive to balance youth, experience, and roster efficiency while maintaining a focus on building a more competitive team for the future.
The St. Louis Cardinals might replace underperforming players like Garrett Hampson, Ryan Fernandez, and Pedro Pages with younger talents such as Nathan Church, Chris Roycroft, Jorge Alcala, or Jimmy Crooks as the team aims to build a more competitive roster for the future.
Considering the Cardinals' recent trades and releases of underperforming players, it's possible that Hampson, Fernandez, and Pages may be removed from the roster to accommodate younger, more productive talents and secure roster flexibility.
