This article was taken from John Denton’s Cardinals Beat newsletter. To view the complete newsletter, click here. Additionally, subscribe to receive it regularly in your inbox.
ST. LOUIS — In light of chairman Bill DeWitt Jr.’s recent announcement that the Cardinals will prioritize overhauling their player-development system over the next year – most likely accompanied by a reduction in payroll at the major league level – the franchise is facing more uncertainties than certainties at this early stage of the offseason.
The immediate future of the Cardinals appears murkier than it has in recent years, prompting us to delve into the five major questions confronting the team during what is expected to be a bustling offseason.
St. Louis aims to build the 2025 roster around a youthful core, including Masyn Winn, Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, Alec Burleson, Jordan Walker, Nolan Gorman, Thomas Saggese, Andre Pallante, Michael McGreevy, Matthew Liberatore, and Ryan Fernandez.
This strategy may result in the potential departure of established veterans like Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Miles Mikolas, and Steven Matz—all expected to earn over $10 million next season. Such moves could serve to reduce payroll in line with what president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has described as a “reset.” Ryan Helsley, fresh off a club-record performance of 49 saves in 53 chances, is also a potential trade candidate, given the substantial return he could bring in prospect value.
The team holds club options on veteran pitchers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. While there is interest in retaining Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Kittredge, and Keynan Middleton, the new strategic direction may complicate those plans.
What changes can be expected with Chaim Bloom preparing to succeed Mozeliak?
After taking the reins as the Red Sox’s chief of baseball operations in 2020, 2026 likely wanted to distance himself from the controversial trade that sent superstar Mookie Betts to the Dodgers. Bloom’s primary aim for 2025 will concentrate on enhancing the Minor League player development system, an area where he excelled during his tenure with the Rays from 2005 to 2019. Since January, he has served as an advisor for the Cardinals, playing a crucial role in the club’s acquisitions of Kittredge, Fernandez, and Riley O’Brien.
Can the Cards pursue a youth movement while aiming for a playoff spot?
If St. Louis decides to trade Arenado or Gray, the repercussions will be significant, likely leaving the team without the necessary lineup and pitching depth to reach the postseason. Rebuilding can be a challenging process, and Cardinals fans are not particularly accustomed to it. That said, 2025 need not be considered a lost cause. The Cardinals possess enough youthful and dynamic talent to remain competitive for most of the season and make meaningful progress.
Arenado solidified his commitment to the Cardinals long-term by opting not to utilize the opt-out clause in his contract after the 2022 season. Likewise, Gray joined the club last winter, motivated by the opportunity to play for a franchise with a long history of competitiveness. The shipping out of either player, or both, would indicate a complete, multi-year rebuilding phase is on the horizon for St. Louis.
Should the Cards retain Goldschmidt and Kittredge for their leadership?
Goldschmidt, likely destined for the Cardinals Hall of Fame like Arenado, is on the brink of becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Having never captured a World Series, he stated after the season finale that the chance to win one would heavily influence his decision on where to play in 2025. Despite enduring the toughest season of his illustrious MLB career at age 37, Goldschmidt believes he can return to a high level of performance by adjusting his swing and approach at the plate.
Goldschmidt values his role as a Cardinal, and the Redbirds would eagerly welcome him back, noting his exemplary leadership both on the field and within the clubhouse. The same holds true for Kittredge, who was instrumental in maintaining the consistency and effectiveness of the Cardinals’ bullpen this past season. Kittredge’s professionalism, humility, and readiness to pitch during any inning were key factors in allowing the Cards to conserve Helsley for ninth-inning situations, needing him to record just three outs. The dependable and high-performing Kittredge would enhance any bullpen he joins.
Can Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman regain their form for 2025?
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At 22, Walker has already experienced two assignments in Triple-A. He plans to dedicate a significant portion of his offseason to training in Jupiter, Florida, where he will focus on refining his pitch selection and enhancing his defensive skills.
Cardinals Offseason Outlook: Navigating a Youth Movement Amidst Uncertainty
Understanding the Arizona Cardinals’ Youth Movement
The Arizona Cardinals are at a pivotal moment in their franchise history. As the 2024 season approaches, the team is embracing a youth movement that could redefine its future. This new strategy comes amidst uncertainty regarding veteran players, coaching decisions, and overall team performance. In this article, we will delve into how the Cardinals can navigate these challenges while capitalizing on their younger talent.
Current Roster and Key Departures
The Cardinals’ roster is undergoing significant changes. A recent look at the latest roster transactions indicates that the team is actively reshaping its lineup. Let’s explore some key departures:
- Quarterback Changes: With the potential departure of starting quarterback Kyler Murray, the Cardinals may look for fresh talent to lead the offense.
- Defensive Adjustments: Key defensive players have left the roster, necessitating the development of younger talent to fill those gaps.
- Coaching Staff Shifts: Changes in the coaching staff might affect player development and strategic direction.
Focus Areas for the Cardinals’ Youth Movement
To successfully navigate this youth movement, the Cardinals must focus on several critical areas:
1. Drafting Young Talent
The upcoming NFL Draft will be crucial for the Cardinals. With a focus on acquiring young, dynamic players, the team can reinforce its weak points. Potential positions to target include:
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive Back
2. Player Development
Developing young talent is essential for long-term success. The Cardinals will need to invest in player development programs, including:
- Strength and Conditioning: Tailored programs to enhance physical capabilities.
- Skill Development: Position-specific coaching to refine techniques.
- Mental Conditioning: Support systems to help young players handle pressure and expectations.
3. Building Team Chemistry
A cohesive unit is vital for any successful team. The Cardinals should prioritize activities that foster team chemistry, such as:
- Team-building exercises
- Voluntary offseason workouts
- Community engagement initiatives
Identifying the Rising Stars
As the Cardinals transition into a youth-centric approach, identifying rising stars within the current roster is essential. Let’s highlight some young players to watch:
| Player | Position | 2023 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| James Conner | Running Back | 1,200 Yards, 9 TDs |
| Zaven Collins | Linebacker | 90 Tackles, 3 Sacks |
| Marquise Brown | Wide Receiver | 800 Yards, 5 TDs |
Challenges Ahead
While the Cardinals are shifting towards a younger roster, several challenges loom large:
1. Inexperience
The youth movement means that many players will lack experience at the NFL level. This could lead to:
- Initial struggles in high-pressure games.
- Difficulty in executing complex plays.
2. Coaching Adjustments
The coaching staff must adapt their strategies to accommodate younger players, including:
- Implementing simplified playbooks.
- Focusing on building confidence and minimizing mistakes.
3. Fan Expectations
With a youth movement, fan expectations may shift. The Cardinals will need to:
- Communicate openly about the rebuilding process.
- Engage with the fanbase to maintain support during transitional periods.
Benefits of a Youth Movement
Despite the challenges, there are clear benefits to embracing a youth movement:
- Long-term Success: Building a core of young players can create sustained success over the years.
- Financial Flexibility: Young players typically come at a lower cost than established veterans, allowing for better salary cap management.
- Fan Engagement: Fans often rally behind emerging stars, creating a more vibrant community atmosphere.
Practical Tips for the Arizona Cardinals
To successfully implement their youth movement, the Cardinals should consider the following practical tips:
- Invest in Scouting: Enhance scouting efforts to find hidden gems in the draft and free agency.
- Utilize Analytics: Leverage advanced analytics to assess player performance and potential.
- Encourage Leadership: Foster leadership qualities in young players to prepare them for future roles.
Case Studies: Successful Youth Movements in the NFL
Examining other NFL teams that have successfully navigated youth movements can provide valuable insights:
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills focused on building around young quarterback Josh Allen, leading to significant success.
- Cincinnati Bengals: After drafting Joe Burrow and surrounding him with young talent, the Bengals saw a rapid turnaround.
By learning from these examples, the Cardinals can adopt strategies that have proven successful in the league.
First-Hand Experience: Voices from the Team
Hearing from players and coaches can provide a unique perspective on the youth movement:
- Player Development Coach: “Our focus is on building a foundation for these young players. They need time to grow and learn.”
- Veteran Player: “I see a lot of potential in the younger guys. It’s exciting to be part of their development.”
