Five Cardinals Players Taken Off Roster Amid Intriguing Organizational Turnover

What is going on with the St. Louis Cardinals?

St. Louis is sure to be busy this offseason and got a head start Thursday. The Cardinals officially outrighted pitchers Kyle Leahy, Casey Lawrence, Andrew Suárez, and infielders Irving Lopez and Juniel Querecuto off the club's 40-man roster to drop the roster down to 35 people, according to the club. 

While Leahy, Lopez, and Querecuto all will remain with the organization -- for the time being at least -- in the minor leagues, Lawrence and Suárez elected free agency and now will have the opportunity to sign with any club. 

Suárez made 13 appearances with the Cardinals in 2023 and compiled a disappointing 7.16 ERA while allowing 22 earned runs in just 27 2/3 innings of work. Lawrence appeared in 15 games with the Cardinals this season and pitched to a 6.59 ERA. Leahy made just three appearances and had a 21.60 ERA. Lopez only appeared in five games for the Cardinals and didn't record a hit. Querecuto made nine appearances and recorded two hits. 

None of these moves are too surprising, but it's intriguing that the Cardinals already have opened up five spots on the 40-man roster. The Cardinals are expected to be extremely active in free agency and in the trade market. St. Louis already has been linked to starters Sonny Gray, Aaron Nola, and Blake Snell. There are intriguing offensive players who will be available like sluggers Cody Bellinger and Rhys Hoskins. 

The Cardinals have said all of the right things so far this offseason and it looks like they already are getting started on the offseason.