Cardinals 2025 drifted to .500 after a deadline move that sent Ryan Helsley to New York and left Nolan Arenado sidelined by injuries. The offseason spins around how St. Louis rebuilds around Arenado’s health and a reshaped rotation. The San Francisco Giants are pegged to chase Sonny Gray, eyeing a veteran complement to Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, especially if Justin Verlander tests the market.

Gray sits at the center of the chatter with a 13-8 mark, 4.45 ERA, and 179 strikeouts in 2025, a profile that could push SF’s ceiling if the price is right. The Melvin-Gray link adds a backstory element to a likely low-prospect cost, turning the Giants into a serious fantasy pivot if the deal materializes.

In short, the Cardinals’ winter plan hinges on health and bullpen stability, while the Giants weigh a veteran add that could realign the NL West balance and fantasy projections across both rosters.