MLB Rumors: Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals Expected to Part Ways in 2024 Free Agency

One of the best sluggers in MLB is reportedly set to hit the open market over the offseason.

According to The Athletic's Katie Woo, the St. Louis Cardinals "are expected to part ways with" star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt when his contract expires at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Goldschmidt is in the final season of the five-year, $130 million deal he signed with the Cardinals prior to the 2019 season. Woo noted that St. Louis is "planning to transition to a reset in 2025," which led to the decision to "move on from one of their franchise faces."

A seven-time All-Star and the 2022 National League MVP, Goldschmidt has been one of the most consistent power hitters in MLB since he made his major-league debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011. The 37-year-old has hit 30 or more home runs in a season seven times in his career.

Unfortunately, 2024 has been a down year for Goldschmidt by his standards. In 153 games, he registered a career-low batting average of .245 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI, his lowest totals since 2020 when he was limited to 58 games due to an elbow injury.

At 82-79 entering Sunday's season finale against the San Francisco Giants, the Cardinals are set to miss the playoffs for the second straight year. St. Louis ended a run of four straight postseason appearances in 2023 after finishing with a 71-91 record.

The only thing missing from Goldschmidt's career resume is a World Series title, so he will likely be looking to join a contender when he hits the open market this offseason.