Key Moments
The St. Louis Cardinals are staring down a difficult offseason after missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year in 2025. With a 78-84 record, the once-dominant franchise is in need of a major rebuild overseen by new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.
Bloom will have some tough decisions to make, as the Cardinals have several high-profile players who could be on the trade block. All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado and veteran pitcher Sonny Gray are two names that have already been floated as potential trade candidates, as the team looks to retool its roster.
Player Impact
One bright spot for the Cardinals in 2025 was the emergence of young catcher/designated hitter Iván Herrera. The 25-year-old had a breakout season at the plate, though he was limited to just 14 games behind the dish due to injuries. Herrera's future with the team remains uncertain, as the organization must decide whether to keep him as their long-term catcher or potentially shift him to a full-time DH role.
Additionally, the Cardinals will need to address their bullpen this offseason. Veteran reliever Willson Contreras is a free agent, and the team may look to reunite with him or pursue other experienced arms to shore up the relief corps.
TL;DR
- The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a crucial offseason after missing the playoffs for the third straight year in 2025.
- New president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom will likely oversee a roster overhaul, with players like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray potentially on the trade block.
- Breakout star Iván Herrera's future role with the team remains uncertain, while the bullpen is an area that needs to be addressed through free agency.
- The Cardinals have a lot of work to do to get back into contention in the highly competitive NL Central division.