Did John Mozeliak stick to his word, potentially missing a chance for the Cardinals?
Following a mixed 2025 trade deadline that saw the St. Louis Cardinals part ways with key bullpen arms like Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz in exchange for six prospects to bolster their farm system, the team is gearing up for an offseason aimed at rejuvenating fan enthusiasm[1][2].
John Mozeliak, the outgoing president of baseball operations, emphasised that the trade deadline moves were geared towards the future rather than immediate success. With Chaim Bloom set to take over after the season, the offseason could see a shift in focus, with potential trades of surplus players and acquisitions of major league talent to enhance the team's competitiveness and depth[2].
The 2025 offseason could see a series of moves designed to excite fans, including: - Pursuing established major leaguers or impactful free agents to fill positions that require upgrades or depth, particularly bolstering the bullpen and lineup to support core players like Nolan Arenado (currently injured) and those vying for outfield roles[2][3]. - Leveraging the strong prospects acquired at the deadline, such as power-hitting shortstop Jesus Baez and right-handed pitcher Nate Dohm, who are projected to arrive around 2027, to generate excitement around the Cardinals' future stars[1]. - Exploring trades from their roster surplus to bring in immediate-impact players or marquee names to signal a push towards postseason contention, while maintaining a balance between development and competition[2]. - Making moves to manage the active roster responsibly, considering injury statuses (e.g., Nolan Arenado on the 10-day IL) and performance evaluations during the second half of the season[3].
As the offseason approaches, the Cardinals' fanbase remains hopeful for a return to the team's winning tradition, while also expressing some anxiety about Chaim Bloom's approach to the team, fearing a prolonged rebuild[1]. However, with the team's leadership signalling a blend of continued development and strategic acquisitions, fans can look forward to a promising future[1][2].
Injuries, inconsistencies, and bad luck have affected the Cardinals' performance in the 2023-25 seasons. With Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman potentially returning from injury soon, and the possibility of Quinn Mathews showcasing his abilities with a spot start, the team is looking to regain their form[4]. The Cardinals could also retain players like Brendan Donovan or Masyn Winn by signing them to long-term deals to demonstrate a commitment to competing[5].
Despite the trade deadline not resulting in any immediate improvements for the 2025 season, the Cardinals are optimistic about the direction the team is heading in[6]. As the offseason unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team's strategy plays out.
[1] https://www.stlouiscardinals.com/news/cardinals-trade-deadline-focused-on-future [2] https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-trade-deadline-focused-on-future [3] https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals/st-louis-cardinals-trades-trade-deadline-2025/article_47e51281-a31b-5a11-9c2f-5c1243a3897f.html [4] https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals/st-louis-cardinals-injury-updates-lars-nootbaar-nolan-gorman/article_337a07c8-3b37-5f9f-952a-49174b28c0a1.html [5] https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals/st-louis-cardinals-signing-brendan-donovan-masyn-winn/article_1f8e3870-c04f-5658-902b-1d7d812c17b5.html [6] https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals/st-louis-cardinals-trade-deadline-2025/article_47e51281-a31b-5a11-9c2f-5c1243a3897f.html
The Cardinals' offseason strategy could involve acquiring major league talent to boost competitiveness, as indicated by John Mozeliak, focusing on positions requiring upgrades, such as the bullpen and lineup, possibly signing free agents like impactful baseball players [2, 6]. As Chaim Bloom takes over, there might be potential trades of surplus players to generate excitement about the team's future stars, such as Jesus Baez and Nate Dohm, who are projected to arrive around 2027 [1, 2].
