Criticisms faced by John Mozeliak receive sharp responses from ex-Cardinals pitcher
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2025 season was not optimal, with the team not in a position to aim for a title. This was partly due to owner-imposed monetary constraints that prevented the Cardinals from pursuing high-priced free agents.
During Mozeliak's tenure as President of Baseball Operations, the Cardinals' insularity and closed-off approach may have led to their payroll crunch and demise as a model franchise. However, it's important to note that the decisions to reduce payroll and prioritize winning in 2025 were attributed to the team, not Mozeliak, according to former Cardinal Lance Lynn.
Lynn, along with Jim Hayes, discussed these topics on a podcast, expressing the view that it would be foolish to boo Mozeliak and hold him responsible for the St. Louis Cardinals' performance in 2025. Mozeliak should not be blamed for a team that was not in a position to contend for a title.
Mozeliak's run with the Cardinals includes six postseason appearances, two National League pennants, and one World Series title. He is expected to attend the Cardinals' Opening Day in 2026, where he may be introduced alongside former Cardinals greats. However, a chorus of boos is anticipated for Mozeliak during this occasion, reflecting the mixed feelings about his legacy.
Mozeliak's legacy is indeed complex. He observed teams like the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Tampa Bay Rays during his tenure, teams known for innovative pitching development and the increasing emphasis on strikeouts. However, the Cardinals continued to snap up players who pitched to contact, and the results gradually deteriorated through the years, bottoming out in 2023.
As the years go by, it's expected that Mozeliak will be placed in a kinder light. A tepid reaction to Mozeliak's return to Busch Stadium is more understandable, but St. Louis Cardinals fans should err on the side of appreciation for all Mozeliak did for the franchise. He should be commemorated for his success just as much as he should be criticized for his failures.
In 2026, Mozeliak is stepping down after the 2025 season. The Cardinals made significant decisions to cut payroll and put winning on the back burner in 2025. The team decided to remain more traditional while other teams were going all-in on the newly created Statcast metrics. These decisions, along with the team's performance, have led to a complex legacy for Mozeliak.
Lance Lynn, a former player for the St. Louis Cardinals, believes that Mozeliak should be remembered for his contributions to the franchise, not just his shortcomings. As we look back on Mozeliak's tenure, it's clear that the cracks in the regime began to form around 2015, but the full impact of his decisions will be felt for years to come.
