Immediately, it was clear that Jordan Walker understood the sinking liner hit toward right field. His initial step was swift, and his path was straight as he charged at the ball. However, as he approached it, a familiar nightmare unfolded for Walker, the young outfielder who has become the latest victim of unmet expectations set by the St. Louis Cardinals.
A momentary pause left him scrambling. Walker attempted a slide, but his body language reflected the frustration of losing a ball in the lights. He landed awkwardly, his glove extended to shield his face. The ball soared past him and rolled away to the right-field wall, resulting in a double.
Walker got up on one knee and pointed at the stadium lights with his glove. His frustration was evident. He has grown used to situations like this—a mistake that many Cardinals prospects were meticulously trained to avoid during their time in the minors.
Yet, players like Walker now arrive in the majors feeling unprepared to succeed. Instead, their shortcomings expose what some within the organization refer to as the decline of a previously robust player development system, which was once the envy of the league.
“We’re in trouble,” stated one team employee. “This isn’t something that can be easily fixed in the next year or even the year after. It’s going to take time.”
“I can’t comprehend how this was allowed to deteriorate so significantly over the past few years.”
According to sources within the organization interviewed by The Athletic, the Cardinals have lost their way, with all sources speaking anonymously for honesty’s sake. They depicted a player development department that is no longer effective, which has negatively impacted players like Walker. Some voiced concerns regarding the organization’s focus on increasing the big-league payroll, often at the expense of hiring essential coaches, instructors, and modern technologies necessary for player development in the minors. Such choices have forced the organization to confront the harsh truth that they have fallen behind their competitors.
“In the minors, people would often ask whether you prioritize winning or developing players,” one staff member indicated. “The response would always be that we develop winning players.”
“We are no longer developing winning players.”
Drafted first overall in 2020, Walker came to the Cardinals boasting more potential than nearly any other amateur in the team’s draft history. However, he has now joined a growing list of top Cardinals prospects who have struggled in the majors, having been demoted twice to Triple-A over the past two seasons. Recent first-round picks, Nolan Gorman (2018) and Zack Thompson (2019), both concluded this season in the minors, while two first-round selections from 2016, Dylan Carlson and Dakota Hudson, faded from the organization.
The repercussions, long in the making, have now reached the Major League level.
With two consecutive postseason absences, the Cardinals seem poised to revamp the system that once generated well-polished homegrown talent. While they do not plan to deliberately lose games, sources familiar with the Cardinals’ intentions suggest that the organization is ready to prioritize enhancing minor league operations and the player development department, even if it means pursuing an unconventional route in baseball-loving St. Louis: potentially sacrificing immediate contention for the major-league team.
President of baseball operations John Mozeliak is expected to publicly discuss the team’s future shortly after the regular season concludes; however, he and general manager Mike Girsch have declined several requests for comment regarding this story. Representatives from the ownership group led by chief executive officer Bill DeWitt II have also not responded to The Athletic’s interview requests. Yet, according to informed sources, significant actions are planned, with at least one change already implemented.
Chaim Bloom, who played a key role in transforming the Tampa Bay Rays into a powerhouse of player development before experiencing challenges as general manager of the Boston Red Sox, joined the Cardinals earlier this year as a consultant to assess the club’s minor-league operations. Bloom has since transitioned into a full-time front office role, tasked with instituting changes to the Cardinals’ farm system based on his evaluations.
His immediate and critical responsibility is to recruit a new director of player development.
Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker. (Orlando Ramirez / USA Today)
Grasping the decline of the Cardinals in player development requires a look back at their position two decades ago. As one of baseball’s most successful franchises, the Cardinals consistently prioritized winning in the majors. They accomplished this by discovering and nurturing talented players into well-rounded, homegrown major leaguers.
Former scouting executive Jeff Luhnow played a pivotal role in the Cardinals being among the first teams to integrate advanced analytics into their drafting process for amateur players.
Between 2005 and 2010, the Cardinals excelled at utilizing analytics for talent evaluation and identification. They polished their drafting and development strategy to focus on young, overlooked players who typically didn’t make other organizations’ top-100 lists. An advantage came from the fact that many of these prospects were college players, who generally progress through the minors quicker than their high school counterparts. This strategy led St. Louis to win the World Series in 2011.
In 2012, the Cardinals returned to the postseason, with more than 60 percent of their playoff roster being homegrown talent, the highest percentage in baseball at that time. Players drafted and developed in the late 2000s—such as Allen Craig, Daniel Descalso, Skip Schumaker, Joe Kelly, and Jon Jay—became essential contributors to a consistently competitive team.
Although the Cardinals have not secured another World Series title since 2011, they reached the playoffs in each of the subsequent four seasons, including a pennant victory in 2013.
The Cardinals were confident that their model was effective.
However, notable success often attracts the attention of other organizations, and eventually, rivals began to construct similar analytical frameworks. Over time, a substantial distinction emerged: Other clubs poured more resources into their models than the Cardinals were willing to invest in theirs. As innovation proliferated throughout the industry, the Cardinals fell behind. Their competitive edge started to wane.
Initially, the decline was not easy to detect. After they reached the National League Championship Series in 2019, the Cardinals made the playoffs for three consecutive years, which included a division championship in 2022. Nevertheless, internal apprehensions were beginning to surface amidst the apparent success.
By the time the team faced a shocking 91-loss season in 2023, the situation had dramatically deteriorated. A fragile system had ultimately crumbled.
“It’s broken,” remarked one staff member. “Our system is broken in a way. I can’t quite pinpoint how it got to this stage.”
According to multiple staffers, the path to this downfall is reflected in the statistics.
The Cardinals have always maintained a relatively small player development team. However, insiders reveal that in recent years, they struggled to keep pace as rival teams expanded their staffing. Excluding affiliate coaches, special advisors, or medical coordinators, the Cardinals currently have five full-time minor-league instructors, representing their leanest staffing level in the past decade.
This number becomes even more
The Cardinals’ approach to staffing is strikingly different from that of other teams in the National League. With 14 full-time field staff members, the Phillies have established a solid structure. The Mets take it a step further, employing 15 staff, which includes coordinators for catching, base running, infield, and outfield. On the other hand, the Brewers, champions of the National League Central three times in the last four years, maintain a total of 17 staff members.
In stark contrast, the Cardinals lack dedicated coordinators for infield, outfield, or catching. They also do not have any full-time roving instructors or coordinator roles in Latin America. A small team, led by instructing coordinator José Oquendo, manages the entire operation, supported by veteran pitching coordinator Tim Leveque and hitting coordinator Russ Steinhorn. Additionally, the Cardinals have Brock Hammit as an assistant hitting coordinator and Rick Harig as a pitching coordinator specifically for the Jupiter Complex.
This absence of coordinators has taken a significant toll on the Cardinals.
“When players reach the majors, they aren’t adequately prepared,” remarked one staff member. “They arrive with various issues that need to be addressed in the big leagues.”
In the last three seasons, many Cardinals prospects have struggled to find their footing in the major leagues. While Walker stands out as a notable case, others like Gorman, Thompson, Matthew Liberatore, and Iván Herrera have also faced difficulties. “Fundamentals are where we see players really faltering,” one staffer commented. “These individuals lack a solid grasp of the game’s basics.”
Performing secondary leads, looking for signs, throwing to the appropriate base, hitting the right cutoff man, and taking the proper route on a fly ball may often appear insignificant in minor league box scores. However, for some Cardinals players, shortcomings in these areas have necessitated corrective measures by coaches in the majors, where failure to execute these nuances can lead to considerable setbacks.
There is a growing movement within the organization advocating for increased staffing in the minor leagues. Some staff members recalled with dismay some of Walker’s misplays, with one suggesting that having an outfield coordinator could have significantly aided the struggling young player, who played just four months in the minors as an outfielder before making the jump to the majors. This trial has resulted in Walker accumulating a career minus-17 outs above average.
Furthermore, another staff member highlighted Herrera’s difficulties behind the plate, especially regarding run control; this season, Herrera has managed to throw out only four runners out of 59 stolen-base attempts. “He has been most affected by this situation,” the employee stated, also recognizing the organization’s reliance on Yadier Molina for two decades, which inadvertently allowed them to neglect the development of their catchers.
cracks.
“You can’t stretch our resources thin and expect two to three individuals to cover all these areas,” an employee remarked. “It negatively impacts our minor leagues. It’s detrimental. Without having dedicated individuals in cities, concentrating on specific aspects of the game to guide players for improvement? A manager has limitations during the season.”
“That’s the purpose of coordinators: to thoroughly evaluate (the system) and ensure accountability,” another employee commented. “We need to hold coaches responsible for their teaching and players accountable for their execution and effort. Relying solely on one person (Oquendo) is unfair to him.”
Several employees recognized the pressure to fast-track young talent through the organization, a trend prevalent throughout the industry, not just within the Cardinals. However, numerous staff members noted that the Cardinals’ shortage of coaches has rendered them especially susceptible.
“It stems from insufficient resources,” one staff member explained. “It’s also reflective of the sport itself and its evolution. They are pushing these young players through the system, and as a result, they end up in roles for which they are not prepared. This is harmful because when they reach this level, they often struggle.”
“They are making errors that should have already been addressed. Or they repeat mistakes that needed correction, making them over and over again. These are the issues that should be resolved in the minor leagues. That’s precisely what the minor leagues are intended for.”
Despite the complaints, some employees argue that the Cardinals’ challenges in player development cannot solely be attributed to staffing levels. They believe the fundamental issue lies with financial investment.
To compensate for the decline in their homegrown player pipeline, the major-league payroll has increased to maintain a competitive edge in the big leagues each season. However, staff members feel the team’s spending on player development has not matched this upward trend, leading to a neglect of the foundation that had traditionally kept the franchise viable.
“We have entered a cycle,” one employee noted.
Disrupting that cycle has proved to be a complicated endeavor.
Since their last World Series triumph, excluding the COVID-19-affected season, the Cardinals have seen a gradual rise in their Opening Day payroll. The team’s Opening Day payroll for the 2024 season surpassed $175 million for the second consecutive year, showing an increase of nearly $20 million compared to 2022.
This indicates that ownership is willing to spend more money to achieve greater success. However, individuals familiar with the organization’s financial strategies confide that Mozeliak has been constrained to a specific budget allocated across the entire baseball operations department, with the front office continually prioritizing the major-league roster. These choices have resulted in repeated reductions in player development funding, both domestically and in Latin America.
Compounding the issue, the expenditures on the major-league roster have not often yielded expected returns. Outside the acquisitions of Goldschmidt and Arenado, Mozeliak’s recent history with free-agent signings and trades has been marred by failures.
For the 2024 Opening Day starting rotation, the Cardinals relied entirely on free agency, costing them over $62 million in payroll. Assemble a competitive rotation primarily through free-agent signings each year is challenging — if not unfeasible — particularly when a front office is facing budget constraints.
Additionally, the Cardinals’ analytics department, led by Girsch, has missed on various internal assessments. They held onto Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Carlson beyond their peak value, and when those players were eventually traded, the organization miscalculated their returns.
Consequently, the cycle persists. The deterioration of the Cardinals’ homegrown pipeline signifies the team no longer receives an influx of budget-friendly, controlled talent, resulting in reliance on pricier free agents to address numerous essential needs.
“Free agency should only be used to supplement your roster,” one employee stated.
All five pitchers in this season’s Opening Day rotation were acquired through free agency, all at market value. This approach is unsustainable for the Cardinals, especially given the escalating costs associated with pitching. Mozeliak’s role over the past decade has not been straightforward. He’s had
Finding a balance between nurturing player development at a high level and simultaneously investing in the major league team — all while adhering to the financial guidelines established by an ownership group that perceives its franchise as a small-market club — presents a significant challenge.
During the majority of his tenure, Mozeliak thrived in this role. Since taking control of the baseball operations department in 2008, the St. Louis Cardinals have recorded only one losing season and reached the postseason 10 times. Ironically, the consistency of the Cardinals made it challenging to address urgent needs outside of the major league roster.
How can the organization explain a shift from a major-league team that continues to succeed?
At this juncture, the Cardinals feel they have no alternative.
Many within the organization will undoubtedly have concerns regarding the future.
Paul Goldschmidt is approaching free agency. Ryan Helsley, currently contending for the title of most saves in baseball this season, is set to receive a significant salary increase in his final arbitration year. Meanwhile, Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras are under contracts that could see them remain in St. Louis until 2027, all possessing full no-trade clauses. However, these players joined the organization with the understanding that the major-league team would remain competitive. A shift in that trajectory might influence their decisions. While it remains uncertain if the Cardinals’ upcoming plans will have an effect, discussions will likely take place — probably at the beginning of the offseason — to assess each player’s position.
These decisions will likely also involve an executive who is relatively new to the organization. The Cardinals welcomed Bloom aboard before the 2024 season as a special advisor to Mozeliak. Throughout the year, he examined the minor leagues, analyzed the existing staff, and evaluated the technology in use. More importantly, he identified gaps in available technology. Mozeliak’s strategic decision to hire Bloom was driven by his extensive experience in player development and analytics, particularly from his 16 seasons with the Rays, which Mozeliak believed could benefit the Cardinals.
“It will be good to have an outside perspective on our organization from someone as highly regarded as Chaim,” Mozeliak stated following Bloom’s hiring. “A fresh set of eyes on all facets of our baseball operations should prove beneficial.”
From the outset, it was evident that Bloom was being tasked to assess the minor leagues. He will now inherit the responsibility of revitalizing them. The implications of Bloom’s promotion for Mozeliak and his eventual successor remain uncertain. Mozeliak’s contract expires after 2025, and he has publicly expressed his intention to step down following this term.
Regarding manager Oli Marmol, the expectation is that he will be back for the 2025 season, accompanied by most of his staff. Ahead of this season, Marmol signed a contract extension lasting two years, which will keep him in place through 2026.
Bench coach Daniel Descalso and pitching coach Dusty Blake are both under contract until 2025. Third-base coach Pop Warner signed an extension that runs through 2026 in the spring training, shortly after Marmol’s deal. After this season, five coaches will become eligible for negotiation: hitting coaches Turner Ward and Brandon Allen, game-planning coach Packy Elkins, first-base coach Stubby Clapp, and assistant pitching coach Julio Rangel. Despite the Cardinals being among the weaker offensive teams in the National League this season, there is a shared interest in retaining the entire coaching staff, including the hitting coaches.
The Cardinals are poised to initiate a youth movement next season, if warranted. Players such as Brendan Donovan, Masyn Winn, Lars Nootbaar, and Alec Burleson aim to make significant progress in their careers. For Walker and Gorman, who spent considerable time this year in Triple-A, next season will be crucial. Additionally, homegrown pitchers like Andre Pallante and Michael McGreevy will have opportunities to vie for a spot in the starting rotation. Top pitching prospect Tink Hence and emerging player Quinn Mathews have also garnered attention.
While the roster next year may lack star players, the Cardinals are prepared to embrace this risk as they work to tackle what they perceive as the core of their challenges. The degree to which St. Louis will retool and the nature of their transitional phase will become clearer over the offseason. However, inquiries within the organization reveal one undeniable fact.
A new chapter is on the horizon, and the Cardinals recognize the necessity of finding their path.
(Illustration by Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of Chaim Bloom, John Mozeliak, and Jordan Walker: Billie Weiss, Mike Carlson, Michael Zagaris / Getty Images, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, MLB Photos)
Reviving the Cardinals: A Deep Dive into St. Louis’ Struggles in Player Development and the Path Forward
Understanding the Current Landscape of the St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, have faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly in the realm of player development. A combination of poor draft choices, subpar player performance, and an inability to adapt to the evolving landscape of baseball has led to a decline in competitiveness. This article delves into the intricacies of the Cardinals’ player development struggles and outlines actionable paths forward.
Historical Context: The Cardinals’ Legacy
The Cardinals boast a rich history, with 11 World Series titles to their name, showcasing their legacy as one of the premier organizations in baseball. However, their recent struggles highlight a disconnect between their historical success and current performance.
A Brief Look at Recent Performance
- 2019: Made it to the NLCS, showing promise.
- 2020: Playoff appearance, yet struggled against better teams.
- 2021: Missed the playoffs, raising alarm bells.
- 2022: Continued underperformance, further diminishing hope.
The decline is alarming and has prompted fans and analysts to critically assess the organization’s player development strategies.
The Core Challenges in Player Development
Identifying the specific challenges faced by the Cardinals in player development is crucial for mapping a path forward. Here are the primary issues:
1. Drafting Woes
The Cardinals have struggled to draft and develop talent effectively. In recent years, their first-round picks have not yielded the expected results, impacting the overall roster quality.
2. Coaching Instability
Frequent changes in coaching staff have disrupted the continuity essential for player development. A stable coaching environment fosters growth and learning, while instability can lead to inconsistent performance.
3. Inadequate Use of Analytics
While analytics have transformed baseball, the Cardinals have been slow to adapt to this trend. Competitor teams that leverage data effectively have gained a considerable advantage.
4. Lack of International Scouting
As baseball becomes more global, the Cardinals have not invested enough in international scouting, limiting their access to budding talent from around the world.
Assessing Current Player Development Programs
The Cardinals maintain several player development programs that aim to address their shortcomings. However, a closer look reveals areas for improvement.
Minor League System Overview
| Level | Team | Notable Players |
|---|---|---|
| Triple-A | Memphis Redbirds | Matthew Liberatore, Nolan Gorman |
| Double-A | Springfield Cardinals | Jordan Walker, Masyn Winn |
| High-A | Peoria Chiefs | Tink Hence, Zane Mills |
| Low-A | Palm Beach Cardinals | Cooper Hjerpe, Tommy Jew |
This table illustrates the current structure of the Cardinals’ minor league system, showcasing the players who hold the potential for future success.
Coaching and Development Strategies
While the Cardinals do have coaching staff in the minor leagues, there is a noticeable lack of innovative strategies that leverage modern techniques. Implementing holistic training programs focusing on:
- **Mental Conditioning**: Players should be trained as much mentally as physically.
- **Analytical Training**: Integrating data analytics into training regimens is essential.
- **Skill-Specific Coaching**: Position-specific coaches can enhance player skills more effectively.
Success Stories: Learning from Other Teams
To revive the Cardinals, it’s essential to learn from franchises that excel in player development. Here’s a breakdown of two teams known for their effective strategies:
1. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have become a model for small-market teams, excelling in scouting and development. They focus on:
- A deep commitment to analytics.
- Innovative training techniques.
- Capitalizing on undervalued talent.
2. Houston Astros
The Astros have turned their franchise around through a strong emphasis on player development. Their approach includes:
- Investing heavily in player analytics.
- Creating a culture of continuous improvement.
- Establishing clear pathways for player advancement.
The Path Forward: Strategic Recommendations
In order to revive the Cardinals and restore their competitive edge, several strategies can be implemented:
1. Revamp the Scouting Department
Enhancing the scouting department, particularly in international markets, can yield high rewards. This includes:
- Hiring experienced scouts with a global perspective.
- Investing in technology to streamline scouting processes.
2. Embrace Analytics and Technology
The Cardinals must fully embrace analytics by integrating data into every aspect of player development. This can be done through:
- Hiring dedicated analysts for minor league teams.
- Utilizing technology for performance tracking and player evaluation.
3. Foster a Winning Culture
Creating a culture that emphasizes accountability, diligence, and continuous learning will encourage players to develop their skills consistently. This can be achieved by:
- Establishing mentorship programs between veterans and younger players.
- Encouraging team-building activities to foster unity and resilience.
4. Strategic Drafting and Player Acquisition
Implementing a more strategic approach to drafting and acquiring players can ensure the long-term success of the franchise. This includes:
- Prioritizing players with high ceilings in drafts.
- Exploring trade opportunities that align with team needs.
Conclusion: A Roadmap to Recovery
While the St. Louis Cardinals have faced significant challenges in player development, a clear roadmap exists for revitalizing the franchise. By focusing on strategic scouting, embracing analytics, fostering a positive culture, and making informed decisions in the draft and player acquisition, the Cardinals can return to their winning ways. The journey may be long, but with commitment and innovation, the Cardinals can once again rise to prominence in Major League Baseball.
