Criticisms of John Mozeliak face stern rebuke from ex-St. Louis Cardinals pitcher
In the world of Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals have been in the spotlight recently due to the impending departure of their President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak. After a tenure spanning an unspecified duration, Mozeliak will be stepping down following the 2025 season.
Mozeliak's run with the Cardinals has been marked by significant achievements. During his time, the Cardinals made six postseason appearances, clinched two National League pennants, and even secured a World Series title. However, the 2025 season presented a different story, with the Cardinals hamstrung by owner-imposed monetary constraints.
Lance Lynn, a former Cardinal, has come to Mozeliak's defence in the face of potential boos during the Opening Day celebration in 2026. In a podcast discussion with Cardinals reporter Jim Hayes, Lynn suggested that it would be unwise to blame Mozeliak for the 2025 season's outcomes. He argues that the team was not put in a position to aim for a title due to factors beyond Mozeliak's control.
The Cardinals' decision to remain traditional while other teams embraced the newly created Statcast metrics may have contributed to their payroll crunch. The team's continued focus on pitchers who pitched to contact gradually deteriorated, bottoming out in 2023. This strategy, coupled with the reluctance to pursue high-priced free agents in the offseason due to payroll constraints, led to a less competitive team in 2025.
Despite the criticisms, Mozeliak's legacy with the Cardinals is a complex one. He should be commemorated for his successes just as much as he should be criticized for his failures. As the passage of time softens the edges of past disappointments, Mozeliak is expected to find himself in a kinder light as the years go on.
The Cardinals are planning a grand gesture for their Opening Day in 2026, with many former Cardinals greats set to be introduced. Mozeliak, who is expected to attend, will undoubtedly receive a mixed reception from the crowd. Regardless, his contributions to the Cardinals' successes cannot be ignored.
The cracks in the Mozeliak regime began to form around 2015, but his tenure will undoubtedly be remembered for the highs and lows it brought to the St. Louis Cardinals. As he steps down, the Cardinals will undoubtedly be looking for a new leader to guide them towards a brighter future.
