3 Cardinals who won’t be back next season after Wild Card game disappointment

We conclude with St. Louis’ other trade deadline acquisition — Jon Lester.

The former three-time World Series champion was bought out of his contract by the Chicago Cubs this past winter. That is when he signed on with the Washington Nationals on a one-year deal. In 16 starts with the Nationals, Lester held a 5.02 ERA, a 1.59 WHIP and a 3-5 overall record. Washington ended up trading every player not named Juan Soto at the trade deadline, and that included Lester, who ended up with the Cardinals.

St. Louis’ decision to acquire Lester was a head-scratcher, but he vastly improved towards the end of the season and may have even earned himself postseason start had the Cardinals gotten there.

Unless Lester opts to come back on a reduced deal, or the Cardinals want to bank on a full season of THAT kind of production, he could be out the door.