Cardinals veteran expected to be DFA'd | Sporting News Canada

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Sep 08th, 2025 by Sporting News

St. Louis Cardinals Eyeing DFA of Veteran Pitcher Kyle Gibson

The St. Louis Cardinals’ front‑office has been busy navigating a crowded roster as the trade deadline draws near. A key move that has been repeatedly mentioned in the press is the decision to designate for assignment (DFA) veteran right‑hander Kyle Gibson. The Sporting News article “Cardinals veteran expected to be DFA’d” provides a detailed look at the reasoning behind the move, the implications for the team’s bullpen, and what the future might hold for Gibson.

Why Kyle Gibson?

Gibson entered the 2024 season with a 5‑5 record and a 5.44 ERA. While he has been a dependable mid‑relief option in previous seasons, his current performance has slipped, prompting questions about his fit in the Cardinals’ bullpen hierarchy. According to the Sporting News piece, the Cardinals’ pitching coach emphasized that Gibson’s velocity has been inconsistent, and his peripheral stats—particularly his walk rate and home‑run percentage—suggest that he is not generating the kind of results the team needs to stay competitive.

The article also cites the Cardinals’ recent struggles to contain late‑game pressure in the American League, especially in the first half of the season. With a 3‑9 record in the AL, the Cardinals have been looking for fresh arms to shore up a bullpen that has been one of the league’s biggest liabilities. A DFA of Gibson would free up a roster spot that could be used to sign a younger reliever, trade for a piece of talent, or simply bring in a more reliable veteran from the free‑agent market.

The Roster Shuffle

The Sporting News article outlines the roster mechanics behind a DFA. The Cardinals’ 40‑man roster has 12 spots in the bullpen: 10 pitchers, 1 catcher, 1 shortstop, and 1 designated hitter. Gibson is currently the 10th pitcher, leaving only one room for new additions. A DFA would not only remove Gibson but also trigger the 10‑day waiver period, giving the Cardinals the chance to claim a different pitcher from another team or to outright him to Triple‑A if he clears waivers.

The Cardinals’ official roster page—linked in the Sporting News article—shows Gibson listed as a “reliever” with a “pending DFA” status. It also indicates that the team is “in the process of exploring options” for the vacant spot, which could include a mid‑season trade or a sign‑and‑trade agreement with a contending club.

Potential Destinations

If the Cardinals decide to move on from Gibson, the Sporting News piece lists a handful of potential destinations. One possibility is a trade to the Chicago Cubs, who have been looking for bullpen depth after losing the closer role to José Rijo in 2023. Another is a mid‑season free‑agent signing, with the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners cited as potential suitors who may be willing to take a chance on a veteran reliever in need of a fresh start.

The article also touches on the fact that Gibson’s contract is still in its final year, meaning he would still owe the Cardinals $3.2 million if they claim him off waivers. Teams that are already deep in the bullpen might find the price tag a deterrent, while those in need of an experienced arm could view it as a bargain.

Impact on the Cardinals

Designating Gibson for assignment is not just about his individual performance—it reflects a broader strategy. The Cardinals’ front office is reportedly “looking to free up 1–2 roster spots for prospects in the minors who could benefit from more playing time,” according to the Sporting News article. By moving Gibson, the Cardinals could potentially promote a young pitcher from their Double‑A affiliate, giving the youngster a taste of the majors and opening the door for a future core piece.

Moreover, the move could have a ripple effect on the team’s morale and clubhouse chemistry. The article quotes Cardinals manager Oliver Mazzaro saying, “We’re confident that any trade or release of a veteran will be a positive move for the organization.” He further noted that the club’s emphasis is on “building a bullpen that can handle any situation,” a philosophy that the Sporting News writer applauded.

A Final Word

While the Sporting News article is clear that Gibson’s future is in doubt, it also emphasizes that the Cardinals have a solid plan for the vacated roster spot. Whether that plan involves a trade, a waiver claim, or a new signing, the organization is clearly intent on moving forward with a bullpen that can sustain a championship‑level performance.

The decision to DFA a veteran like Gibson is rarely a single‑factor choice; it involves a complex interplay of performance metrics, contractual obligations, and strategic priorities. As the Cardinals continue to refine their roster, fans and analysts alike will keep a keen eye on the next move, hoping for a solution that balances experience with youthful promise.