This story was excerpted from John Denton's Cardinals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

St. Louis isn¡¯t a big market when compared to other contemporaries along the East and West Coasts, but somehow the Cardinals managed to operate like a large-market franchise over much of the past two decades with their aggressive pursuits of free agents and another World Series crown.

Those static mindsets to continue to try and contend never allowed for a true rebuild, something the franchise has needed to do since its last playoff series victory in 2019. At long last, the Cardinals¡¯ pursuit of difference-making free agents and an elusive 12th World Series title will take back seats to what president of baseball operations John Mozeliak dubbed a ¡°reset¡± during the 2024 season.

Cornerstone Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, who remarkably never won a playoff series together in St. Louis, are both likely gone -- the first baseman in free agency to the Yankees and the third baseman via a trade to a winner he approves. Fellow veterans Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson were cut loose, and Ryan Helsley -- the club¡¯s MVP in 2024 with his franchise-record 49 saves -- could be dealt. The D-backs and Blue Jays have strong interest in Helsley, per sources, while the Guardians and Tigers have inquired about Erick Fedde and Steven Matz.

The Cardinals¡¯ reset will be centered around lowering payroll and providing opportunities for their younger players. The Cardinals want to go into 2026 with advisor Chaim Bloom at the helm of baseball operations, knowing what they have in Nolan Gorman, Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II, Michael McGreevy and Gordon Graceffo, and the best way to do that is to give them long runways to sink or swim in ¡®25.

With those factors shaping 2025 for the Cardinals, here are some things to look out for throughout the winter and in the season ahead:

One realistic free agent: RHP Andrew Kittredge

Yes, Kittredge pitched for the Cardinals last season. And, yes, they could desperately use his grit and veteran savvy back in 2025. Kittredge, who was acquired in a trade with the Rays last January, was one of the Cards¡¯ biggest standouts with 37 holds, which ranked second in MLB and first in the NL. Kittredge¡¯s steady setup work allowed Helsley to be used almost exclusively in ninth innings, and it paved the way for him to post a club-record 49-save season. Additionally, Kittredge¡¯s veteran leadership played heavily in the growth made by Matthew Liberatore, JoJo Romero and Ryan Fernandez last season.

One player poised for a breakout: 2B/3B Nolan Gorman

In the spring of 2023, Gorman told me, ¡°There is no backup plan; this has to work,¡± as he was coming off a rocky rookie season. In ¡®23, Gorman responded by leading the Cardinals in homers with 27. However, the bottom fell out in ¡¯24, as he saw his whiff and strikeout rates soar (151 K's in 107 games). Gorman has been working on swing changes with new hitting coach Brant Brown most of the offseason, and he is poised to bounce back. He¡¯s just 24, and his power is too great for him to not push for 30 homers if he can regain his confidence.

One prospect to watch: LHP Quinn Mathews

Considering the number of big games Mathews pitched in while starring at Stanford ¨C including a 156-pitch, 16-strikeout gem in the 2023 NCAA Tournament ¨C it¡¯s not a surprise how he easily carved up Minor League competition in ¡®24. Matthews, the No. 3 prospect in the Cards' system per MLB Pipeline, zipped through four levels of Minor League baseball while striking out an MiLB-best 202 hitters in 143 1/3 innings. He is just the 10th prospect in Cardinals history to compile 200 strikeouts in a Minor League season. The 24-year-old lefty will get a shot to make the Opening Day roster in Spring Training.

One prediction for 2025: The Cards will surprise some and push for a Wild Card spot, before falling short

No, the Cardinals won't have Goldschmidt or likely Arenado. But the club is confident that giving more playing time and less pressure to Lars Nootbaar, Thomas Saggese, Scott II, Andre Pallante, Walker, Gorman, McGreevy, Graceffo, Liberatore and Fernandez will allow their talent to shine through. If the young Cards hit in the clutch -- they were statistically the worst team in baseball with runners in scoring position in 2024 -- they can make major strides. Their chances of putting together a stirring run could depend on them retaining Helsley and Kittredge.