AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
The annual MLB non-tender deadline arrived with the usual mix of calculated decisions and difficult goodbyes, and the St. Louis Cardinals were no exception. As President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom continues to mold the roster to his vision, the Cardinals opted to non-tender four players, allowing them to become immediate free agents.
The Cardinals cut ties with left-handed pitcher John King, catcher Yohel Pozo, and right-handed pitchers Sem Robberse and Jorge Alcala. The moves were a clear signal that the team is prioritizing 40-man roster flexibility. While some of the departures were expected, the group includes a fan-favorite and two key pieces acquired at the 2023 trade deadline.
A Closer Look at the Non-Tendered Four
The most notable name, and the only arbitration-eligible player in the group, was John King. Acquired at the 2023 trade that sent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery to the Texas Rangers. King immediately became a reliable presence in the Cardinals’ bullpen, posting a solid 2.85 ERA across 56 appearances in 2024.
However, 2025 told a different story. King’s performance dipped significantly, as evidenced by his 4.66 ERA over 51 outings. For an arbitration-eligible player, a sub-par season can be fatal. Projected to earn a raise for the 2026 season. The Cardinals likely deemed the potential salary increase not worth it. His departure is purely a business decision. Additionally, it avoids a seven-figure commitment to a middle reliever whose outlook was uncertain.
Cardinals Part with Fan Favorite
Catcher Yohel Pozo’s non-tender represents the end of an unexpected, but fun, chapter. Thrust into a more prominent role due to a string of injuries to the catching corps. Pozo quickly became a fan favorite. His enthusiastic style of play and knack for clutch hitting made him a surprisingly productive presence in St. Louis.
Despite his contributions, the decision to non-tender Pozo was a simple matter of a roster crunch at the position. With Ivan Herrera now firmly established, and promising prospects like Pedro Pagés, Jimmy Crooks, Leonardo Bernal and Rainiel Rodriguez already on the 40-man roster or knocking on the door, Pozo’s long-term fit was questionable. His non-tender was a move to clear a valuable 40-man spot for another player. A tough reality for a player who gave the team a lift when they desperately needed it.
Cardinals Non-Tender Injured Prospect
Right-handed pitcher Sem Robberse, acquired at the 2023 trade deadline, was a highly-regarded prospect. However, his tenure in the Cardinals organization was derailed by misfortune.
Robberse spent all of 2025 in Triple-A, but a major setback occurred when he underwent Tommy John surgery in May. This procedure likely sidelines him for all, or at least most, of the 2026 season. While he still holds prospect appeal, non-tendering him was a pragmatic move. The Cardinals now free up a 40-man roster spot instead of dedicating it to a player who will be on the injured list for the entirety of the next season. It’s not uncommon for a team to re-sign a non-tendered player recovering from major surgery to a minor league deal, which is an avenue St. Louis could still pursue.
Short Stay for Alcala
Reliever Jorge Alcala’s time in St. Louis was brief. Claimed off waivers mid-season, the hard-throwing right-hander was designated for assignment earlier in the week to make room for new additions to the 40-man roster. Alcala’s non-tender simply finalized that decision. After posting a 5.02 ERA in 15 appearances, the Cardinals chose not to invest any further time or a 40-man spot on a pitcher who struggled with consistency.
Cardinals Seek Roster Flexibility
In the end, the non-tender deadline is less about punishing underperformance and more about optimizing the 40-man roster. By non-tendering these four players, the Cardinals’ 40-man roster now stands at 37, giving the front office three immediate, valuable vacancies.
These open slots are crucial as the team heads into the Winter Meetings and the remainder of the offseason. They can be used to protect prospects from the Rule 5 Draft, facilitate free-agent signings, or absorb players acquired via trade. For a Cardinals club focused on restructuring under new leadership, every 40-man spot is a valuable currency. Furthermore, these non-tenders represent a necessary step toward an aggressive, and hopefully more successful, 2026 season.
