The St. Louis Cardinals are poised for a potentially transformative offseason as Chaim Bloom steps in as the new president of baseball operations [11, 16]. With Bloom expected to reshape the roster, several players could be on the move [1]. The team's focus will likely address offensive struggles and bullpen deficiencies [3, 7].
Potential Trades and Key Players
Speculation surrounds potential trades involving veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado [13]. A possible trade with the Philadelphia Phillies involving Arenado for Nick Castellanos has been suggested, which could provide St. Louis with more power [10]. Utility man Brendan Donovan's versatility makes him a valuable trade asset, though some believe the Cardinals should retain him [4, 8, 9]. His ability to play multiple positions could broaden his trade market [8].
Outfielder Lars Nootbaar's recent heel surgery to correct Haglund’s deformities came as a "huge shock" [2, 12, 17]. The surgery potentially derails his availability for Opening Day [17]. Nootbaar's offensive consistency, with a wRC+ above 110 in the past three seasons, makes his health a crucial factor for the Cardinals' 2026 plans [5]. Despite the veteran presence, questions linger about the development of young hitters within the organization [6].
Focus on the Future
Bloom's arrival sparks excitement regarding the Cardinals' prospect pool [16]. The organization's Top 20 prospects for 2026 include JJ Wetherholt, Liam Doyle, and Tink Hence [15]. The Cardinals are aiming to revitalize their farm system under Bloom's guidance, who has a track record of building strong systems [16].
TL;DR
- The Cardinals are entering a period of significant change under new baseball operations president Chaim Bloom [11, 16].
- Veteran players like Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan could be traded to address team needs [1, 13, 8].
- Lars Nootbaar's recent heel surgery creates uncertainty for his availability at the start of the season [17, 12].
- The Cardinals are focused on developing their prospect pool, with several highly-rated players expected to make an impact in the coming years [6, 15].