St. Louis invested $191 million into their 2025 roster, ranking 12th in MLB payroll. Paul Goldschmidt leads the team at $26 million annually in what became his final Cardinals season before free agency departure.
Nolan Arenado ($16M), Sonny Gray ($25M), and Willson Contreras ($18M) form the veteran core. Young players like Masyn Winn ($780K) and Jordan Walker ($775K) provide cost-controlled production as St. Louis transitions from contender to rebuilding mode.
Explore St. Louis Cardinals player biography and roster information for complete team analysis.
| Position | Player |
| SP | Sonny Gray |
| SP | Miles Mikolas |
| SP | Lance Lynn |
| SP | Kyle Gibson |
| SP | Matthew Liberatore |
| RP | Ryan Helsley |
| RP | Giovanny Gallegos |
| RP | JoJo Romero |
| RP | Andre Pallante |
| RP | Zack Thompson |
| C | Ivan Herrera |
| C | Pedro Pages |
| 1B | Willson Contreras |
| 2B | Nolan Gorman |
| SS | Masyn Winn |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado |
| LF | Brendan Donovan |
| CF | Dylan Carlson |
| RF | Jordan Walker |
| DH | Alec Burleson |
St. Louis Cardinals Top 10 Highest-Paid Players
Goldschmidt earned $26 million in his final Cardinals season before departing in free agency. His production declined from MVP levels though he remained team captain through 2024. Gray makes $25M through his three-year, $75 million contract signed in December 2023.
Arenado collected $16M after Colorado continues paying $10M annually through 2027. His total salary reaches $26M but Cardinals pay only the reduced amount. Contreras earned $18M as the primary catcher through his five-year, $87.5M deal.
| Player | Position | 2025 Salary | Contract Through |
| Paul Goldschmidt | 1B | $26M | Free agent 2025 |
| Sonny Gray | SP | $25M | 2026 |
| Willson Contreras | C | $18M | 2026 |
| Nolan Arenado | 3B | $16M | 2027 |
| Miles Mikolas | SP | $17.5M | 2025 |
| Steven Matz | SP | $12.5M | 2026 |
| Erick Fedde | SP | $7.5M | 2025 |
| Ryan Helsley | RP | $8.3M | Arb-eligible 2026 |
| Masyn Winn | SS | $780K | Pre-arbitration |
| Jordan Walker | OF | $775K | Pre-arbitration |
Mikolas earned $17.5M in rotation depth despite inconsistent performance. Matz makes $12.5M recovering from injury. Fedde collected $7.5M after arriving via trade from Chicago White Sox.
Paul Goldschmidt Net Worth and Cardinals Star Earnings
Goldschmidt accumulated $245 million in career earnings building a $155 million net worth across Arizona and St. Louis. His Cardinals tenure included five-year, $130 million extension signed in March 2019.
Arenado earned $265 million creating a $168 million net worth across Colorado and St. Louis. His eight-year, $260 million deal includes Colorado paying $51 million total. Gray collected $125 million building a $78 million fortune.
| Player | 2025 Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| Nolan Arenado | $16M | $265M | $168M | Rawlings, Nike |
| Paul Goldschmidt | $26M | $245M | $155M | Louisville Slugger |
| Sonny Gray | $25M | $125M | $78M | New Balance |
| Willson Contreras | $18M | $85M | $52M | Rawlings |
| Miles Mikolas | $17.5M | $58M | $35M | Under Armour |
| Steven Matz | $12.5M | $48M | $28M | Nike |
Contreras earned $85 million building a $52 million net worth across Chicago and St. Louis. Mikolas collected $58 million creating a $35 million fortune. Matz accumulated $48 million building a $28 million net worth.
Young Cardinals Prospects Provide Future Foundation
Masyn Winn earns just $780K anchoring shortstop after winning the starting job as a rookie. His defensive excellence and speed create exceptional value while costing league minimum salary through 2027.
Jordan Walker makes $775K despite top prospect pedigree. His power potential justifies patience despite inconsistent performance. Nolan Gorman earned $2.1M at second base through arbitration providing 25+ home run threat.
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Starting Pitchers | $88M | Sonny Gray | $25M |
| Infield | $68M | Paul Goldschmidt | $26M |
| Outfield | $18M | Lars Nootbaar | $3.2M |
| Bullpen | $22M | Ryan Helsley | $8.3M |
| Catchers | $18M | Willson Contreras | $18M |
St. Louis concentrated resources in starting pitching and infield positions. Their $191 million payroll reflects transitional phase between competitive window and rebuilding approach.
Cardinals Starting Rotation Salary Breakdown
St. Louis allocated $88 million to starting pitchers—46% of total payroll. Gray ($25M) leads while Mikolas ($17.5M) and Matz ($12.5M) provide veteran depth. Fedde earned $7.5M through trade acquisition.
Kyle Gibson makes $12M in rotation stability. Andre Pallante ($785K) and Michael McGreevy ($770K) fill spots at pre-arbitration rates. The Cardinals blend expensive veterans with young arms during their transition.
Lance Lynn ($11M) provided veteran presence before departure. St. Louis historically develops pitching internally but recent struggles forced increased free agent spending to maintain rotation quality.
How Much Cardinals Pay Position Players
Goldschmidt’s $26M led position player spending before free agency. Arenado makes $16M ($26M total with Colorado’s contribution) at third base. Contreras earned $18M as one of baseball’s highest-paid catchers.
Lars Nootbaar collected $3.2M through arbitration patrolling outfield. Brendan Donovan makes $2.8M providing positional versatility. St. Louis spreads spending across positions rather than concentrating resources.
Paul DeJong’s departure via trade reduced payroll obligations. Tyler O’Neill’s trade to Boston shed additional salary. These moves signal St. Louis’ shift toward younger, cheaper roster construction.
Cardinals Bullpen Investment and Closer Salary
St. Louis allocated $22 million to relievers—12% of total payroll. Ryan Helsley leads at $8.3M as one of baseball’s elite closers with 100+ mph velocity. His arbitration status creates trade value as St. Louis evaluates rebuild timeline.
JoJo Romero ($2.5M) and Andrew Kittredge ($3.8M) provide setup depth. Ryan Fernandez ($850K) emerged as effective reliever earning pre-arbitration salary. The Cardinals develop internal options while supplementing through trades.
Giovanny Gallegos ($5.25M) offered middle relief depth before potential departure. St. Louis’ bullpen strategy emphasizes identifying undervalued arms through analytics rather than pursuing expensive free agent closers.
FAQs
Who is St. Louis Cardinals’ highest-paid player?
Paul Goldschmidt earned $26 million in 2025 before departing via free agency, with Sonny Gray ($25M) becoming highest-paid returning player.
How much does Nolan Arenado actually cost the Cardinals?
Arenado makes $16M paid by St. Louis with Colorado paying $10M annually through 2027, totaling $26M salary with Cardinals absorbing only reduced portion.
What is Masyn Winn’s salary?
Winn earns just $780K as a pre-arbitration shortstop despite winning starting job as rookie, creating exceptional roster value through 2027.
Why are Cardinals payroll expectations changing?
St. Louis’ $191 million payroll reflects transition from contention to rebuilding with Goldschmidt’s departure and focus shifting toward younger, cost-controlled talent.
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