5 St. Louis Cardinals Players Who Won’t Be Back In 2015

It was a gamble that did not pay off, as Masterson immediately bombed in his attempt to crack the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation. Knee issues may have hampered Masterson, who will likely go elsewhere in an effort to catch on.

The Cardinals acquired Pierzynski when they needed the help most as Yadier Molina went down with a thumb injury around the All-Star break. With Tony Cruz still in the minors and able to fill in as needed, expect Pierzynski to head elsewhere.

Ellis should head to another team in 2015 as infield help like Pete Kozma and Daniel Descalso will fill in at a reduced cost. Ellis was mainly there to guide Kolten Wong in his development, but he didn't hit and Wong is clearly ready to stick.

With relief pitchers like Carlos Martinez and Trevor Rosenthal now firmly in the lineup, pitchers like Motte have lost their place on the roster. Motte is making $ 7.5 million this season, a salary he won't get with another ball club.

The reality is the Cardinals do not have many players who will head elsewhere, and this one is a stretch. Neshek went 7-2 and only made $ 1 million, but he is a free agent. The odds are, with other relief pitchers making an impact, Neshek may head to another team at a higher salary.