Cardinals' GM John Mozeliak hints at underdog player emerging as the next team standout.
Revamped Perspective on the Redbirds' Rise and Oli Marmol's Brilliance
The St. Louis Cardinals' surprising triumph in the 2025 season is the talk of the town, and the team's resurgence is largely attributed to the stellar work of key players. In a candid chat with KMOX, John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations, singled out one individual as a shining beacon for the future – Oli Marmol, the team's exceptional manager.
Oli Marmol: A Future Superstar in the Making
Marmol, a prodigious manager, has steered the Cardinals effectively in the 2025 season. The team began the year with meager expectations, a slashed budget, and the absence of Paul Goldschmidt – yet Marmol has navigated the roster shrewdly while consistently communicating his strategies to the media. His hiring of hitting coach Brant Brown and pitching coach Dusty Blake seems to have reaped benefits, with the team's improved performance not limited to these appointments, considering the contributions made by instructors such as Jon Jay and Daniel Descalso.
An in-depth analysis by Bernie Miklasz on Sports Hub STL brings to light Marmol's considerable contributions to the team, even dating back to the 2024 season, when the Cardinals outperformed projections, surpassing their Pythagorean win total by six games. Miklasz also points out that Marmol boasts a better win-loss record in his first four years with the club than the reputed skipper Tony La Russa did.
Managers no longer have the same influence they once did on games, primarily due to the adoption of the designated hitter and the redefined strategy that followed. However, Marmol and the Cardinals have managed to buck this trend, and the league has started to take notice.
Mozeliak is stepping down after the 2025 season, sparking speculation about his successor Chaim Bloom's plans for the team. While Mozeliak won't have a direct say in Marmol's job security after the season, it's becoming increasingly difficult to imagine Marmol being let go, even in favor of fan favorites like Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina.
Relinquishing the Cardinals leadership to another team would feel like a dagger to fans' hearts. Molina has even hinted at a possible managerial role, stating his interest in Chicago's north side. Yet, if Marmol continues to excel in his role, the Cardinals may find it tough to justify replacing him.
It's uncommon for fans to shower praise on their managers, as they are constantly under the critical eye. But Marmol has grown in leaps and bounds since taking the helm, and as the Cardinals hope to compete for another title soon, Bloom may opt to maintain the young, dynamic manager who has already proven himself to be a rising star.
The Cardinals' remarkable success in the 2025 season, under the guidance of manager Oli Marmol, has not gone unnoticed, as his impact on the team extends beyond the field. Bernie Miklasz's analysis on Sports Hub STL highlights Marmol's impressive accomplishments, even going back to the 2024 season, where the Cardinals outperformed predictions. With Marmol's better win-loss record in his first four years with the club than Tony La Russa's, he is being considered as a future superstar in MLB.
