As the St. Louis Cardinals continue reshaping their roster ahead of the 2025 season, right-handed pitcher Nick Anderson could soon be on his way out. Due to a unique upward mobility clause in his contract, Anderson is now available for other teams to claim, leaving the Cardinals with a crucial decision to make in the coming days.
Anderson’s Contract Clause Puts His Future in Doubt
After being reassigned to minor league camp, Anderson’s deal allows any MLB team to claim him on March 23, provided they add him to their 40-man roster. If a team does so, the Cardinals will have 72 hours to either match the move by adding him to their own 40-man roster or let him go entirely.
While Anderson isn’t necessarily a star player, this situation presents a tough choice for St. Louis. If another team steps in, the Cardinals must decide quickly whether they see him as a valuable part of their 2025 bullpen.
What This Means for the Cardinals
The Cardinals have already made major roster changes, allowing veterans like Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson to depart while exploring trade options for Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray. Anderson’s potential exit adds another wrinkle to their offseason decisions.
Though the 31-year-old reliever has faced injuries in recent years, he has shown flashes of dominant pitching, especially during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. His ability to provide depth in the bullpen could be crucial for a team looking to solidify its pitching staff.
Looking Ahead
With just a few days left before Anderson becomes available to other teams, the Cardinals’ front office must carefully evaluate their options. If another franchise moves to claim him, St. Louis will have to decide whether they want to keep him in their plans for the 2025 season.
As the season opener approaches, this decision could be a telling sign of how the Cardinals are prioritizing their bullpen and overall roster strategy.
