A Sea Change Of A Season For The St. Louis Cardinals

A season of change, based on St. Louis Cardinals' principal owner William DeWitt Jr.'s decision to let the kids play, fail at times, then see if they can work their way out of it and into success, has now become the off-season of change, based on those players' results.

I watched every game. If I missed 20 at-bats, it's a lot. Decided to jot down some notes on certain players regarding should they stay or should they go.

I don't want the Cardinals trading players like Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson because if they begin that cycle of, 'we're not ready to contend so let's trade these veterans for youth,' then they become the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Though there are some, like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray, who are on the backside of their careers, who should be jettisoned and have said that they are open to moving on.

Another veteran, Miles Mikolas, should not be brought back either.

Sticking with pitchers, Matthew Liberatore had a great learning campaign that may not be reflected in some stats (though a 98 ERA+ is decent for year one as a starter). However, at the very least, I see him as pitching more innings next season and improving his consistency, becoming a solid two-three guy, again, at the least.

Gordon Graceffo: Certainly not giving up on him despite the poor showing. A good spring training can land him on the opening day roster.

Although Jorge Alcala should be in Jupiter, Florida, come February, there should be no guarantee he goes further north than Memphis. AAA to start the season is a good thing as well.

Chris Roycroft and Ryan Fernandez should receive invites to spring training and likely will have a plane ticket to Memphis on their phones come late March.

Jimmy Crooks: Sure, he struggled. As do many when they first come up, especially catchers. I love the value of his getting time in the majors this year. I think he has the inside track to back up Pagés.

Yohel Pozo: Leonardo Bernal has to be added to the 40-man; I don't see how Pozo survives that. Pagés, Pozo, Herrera, Crooks and Bernal? When does a team ever carry five catchers on the 40-man? Pozo gets DFA'd and definitely gets picked up by another team. He has value as a backup for any team that doesn't have the numbers crunch St. Louis does.

Ivan Herrera, despite his wanting to catch, never has to again unless it's the 25th inning. 😊 Designated-hitter and a run in the outfield suits me fine. I do think new POBO Chaim Bloom is humoring him with the idea that he can take this off-season to be better at catching. Why quell a guy's desire to improve? However, it's not conceivable that he'd all of a sudden be better than Pagés. Or what is projected for Crooks. Even after the elbow surgery Herrera will have shortly.

POBO John Mozeliak (left) is stepping down after 35 years in the org. Chaim Bloom is set to take over.

Speaking of injuries, Masyn Wynn is hurt or playing through an ouchie far too often for a 23-year-old. I hope that this is a temporary situation. If not, I don't see why St. Louis would give him a long-term deal. As he ages, he won't be able to play through the nagging injuries. Better to let him go when he reaches free agency if he can't shake the injury bug.

Nolan Gorman got better at third base the more he filled in for Arenado whilst the Hall of Famer to be was on the IL. However, in a season where St. Louis gave players the runway that they needed to take off, Gorman's offense taxied for 162. Mr. Bloom can make a statement that it's his team now by dealing Gorman, I think he will try.

Thomas Saggese simply doesn't look comfortable at second base. Definitely fine at third base and shortstop. I believe in his bat. I am not predicting a run as an all-star, but he can be counted on to be decent, consistently.  

Lars Nootbaar, I can see him being a sacrificial lamb in the same manner as Gorman for Mr. Bloom to make a statement. Plus, with Nootbaar, it'd be more of a wake-up call to the team than Gorman. It would also be timely in the sense that his value will dissipate if he checks in with one more injury-disturbed season. His career OPS+ of 109 and this season's 95 OPS+ still will garner interest. Move him now.

Victor Scott II's outs above average is 17, placing him third in MLB and second in the National League for center fielders. He plays at a high, intense level that is very much appreciated, fun to see. Earnest is another word that comes to mind. But his results on offense (72 OPS+ this season) leave something to be desired. His bunting leaves a lot to be desired. He's young, 24 years old; these are the early days of his career. Certainly not a player to give up on.

Same can be said for Jordan Walker. He deserves one more season that, hopefully, is injury-free to prove himself. It is astonishing that someone as big as he is hit only six home runs and checked in this season with a 66 OPS+. Those 10 bags swiped are impressive . Imagine the steals if he ever got on base more, geez, with that power potential to boot. Fingers crossed next season is the breakout.

What kind of blog about the Cardinals of tomorrow would be complete without a mention of the hotshot minor league star of today, JJ Wetherholt. Here's to a good spring training and a cup of coffee call-up, at the least, in 2026.

Same for Liam Doyle, who is moving like a hypersonic missile through the Cardinals' minor leagues.

Players not mentioned isn't meant as a disrespect or a nod to an automatic roster spot with the Cardinals next season. Those mentioned above are simply the ones that popped out to me over the last month of the season.

I am looking forward to the Bloom era. Enjoy the off-season!

Only Branch Rickey, who settled on the two birds and a bat logo, started the first minor league system in MLB with St. Louis, was better. Thanks, Mo! It's been a great ride!

Please like, comment, and share!

Sign-up for exclusives and first to know!

Charles I. Guarria is an author, reporter and host based in the state of Florida, USA, covering any topic, anywhere in the world. His career began in 2009. Mr. Guarria is a three-time winner of Emerald Group Publishing’s Highly Commended Award and host of The Opinion Guy Fun Friendly Informative. He is available for hire to write, research, or beta-read.

Photo Credit: MLB, St. Louis Cardinals, FanDuel

See ya soon!

~30~