Cardinals at a Crossroads with Potential Managerial Changes Ahead
Oli Marmol’s fourth season leading the St. Louis Cardinals has been anything but smooth. As the Cardinals find themselves four and a half games adrift of the playoff race, the atmosphere at Busch Stadium has been defined by historic lows in attendance. This precarious situation signals that significant changes are on the horizon for the franchise.
Leadership Changes on the Horizon
In a development that could reshape the organization, Chaim Bloom is set to take over as president of baseball operations, succeeding John Mozeliak this offseason. With this shift in leadership, the question arises: could the Cardinals contemplate replacing Marmol with franchise legends Yadier Molina or Albert Pujols, both of whom have expressed a desire to manage at the Major League level?
On the recent “Dealin’ the Cards” podcast, Josh Jacobs delved into this intriguing scenario. He posed a compelling argument regarding the allure of bringing in either Molina or Pujols to lead the team. “If Pujols is truly like, ‘Hey, I’ll manage for you next year,’ or Yadi—that temptation that’s sitting there, the allure of that, the excitement. Even for ownership, the appearance that they could bring more fans. I don’t think either guy would be for show. Like sure, it adds that element to it, but I think both guys have the chops to potentially be really good managers,” Jacobs noted.
Molina and Pujols: The Potential Successors
Molina, a 10-time All-Star, has already dipped his toes into coaching this season. He served as a guest coach for the Cardinals during their series against the Chicago Cubs in early August and returned to the dugout for the series against the San Francisco Giants from September 5-7. Additionally, Molina is set to manage Puerto Rico in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his commitment to leadership in baseball.
Meanwhile, Pujols is currently making strides as a manager in the Dominican Professional Baseball League, further solidifying his managerial ambitions. Both icons not only represent a deep connection to the franchise’s history but also embody the qualities that could resonate with fans and players alike.
Marmol’s Record and Recent Performance
As for Marmol, his tenure with the Cardinals has yielded a .504 winning percentage, with a 319-314 overall record over four seasons. Initially hired before the 2022 season, he guided the Cardinals to their most recent postseason appearance that year, clinching the National League Central with a commendable 93-69 record. His managerial capabilities were recognized as he finished in the top ten for NL Manager of the Year voting in both 2022 and 2024.
Yet, as the Cardinals face a critical juncture, the looming question remains whether the franchise will opt for the familiar faces of Molina or Pujols to usher in a new era or retain Marmol amidst the franchise’s challenges. The decision will undoubtedly shape the future of the St. Louis Cardinals, a team steeped in rich history and tradition.
