Cardinal Nation on Bernal as #5 Prospect

[Melville]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

IMO this is dependent on R.R.'s progress behind the plate (by all reports his bat isn't going to be an issue).

If I was Bloom I wouldn't deal Bernal until I had made a decision on R.R.'s future position.

IF Bloom see's R.R. as the catcher of the future, then dealing Bernal for an OF'er or 3rd baseman would be a solid move.

But at this stage Bernal's values isn't going to go down this season, in fact it could go even higher w/a strong 2026.

The catchers I move now are P. Pages (add him into any Donovan or JoJo deals), then Crooks after the 2026 season if Bernal is still in the organization.

But again, they key this year is for Bloom and his team to decide what path R.R. is on position wise before you make any move w/Bernal.

JMO

Always respect your opinion.
Always well thought out.
And there is a valid argument that if Rodriguez develops, Bernal can be traded next off-season.
However, that is exactly the type of approach Super Slo Mo embodied, and it was extremely destructive.
Delay, caution, fear, timidity caused him to miss countless opportunities.
If Bernal can be packaged to obtain high quality at a position of greater need right now, Bloom should do it.
No sense in waiting a year since the goal today is to restock.
No sense risking injury which could derail Bernal.
No sense risking a step back in his performance which could diminish his value.
Strategic thinking is usually about the "when" more so than the "who".
If Bloom has an opportunity, he should not let is pass by.
I was the only person on the planet who understood the RIGHT TIME to trade Hence was the fall of 2022.
I was also 100% correct in identifying the RIGHT TIME to trade DeJong, Martinez, Reyes, The Paper Tyler and several others over the years - and Mo missed the moment every single time.
The relevant question is not whether Bernal is a quality prospect.
It is a matter of which catcher should be traded and when - and as of today, by far the most logical option is Bernal.
I am genuinely hopeful that Bloom understands this type of important strategic thinking far more than Mo ever did.
He will not succeed otherwise.

[scoutyjones2]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

Pitch framing will not exist with ABS

[Melville]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

The correct baseball decision is to trade Crooks, who does not have as high a ceiling as Bernal.

The correct baseball decision is to plan for a Bernal/Rodriguez catching platoon starting in 2028... assuming Herrera doesn't become as good as Rodriguez defensively.

What do you guys think they could get for Bernal or Crooks? In other words, trade for whom?

Not anything near good enough to risk the strength we have in the organization. This timwe next year should give us a much clearer path.

Maybe.
But the opportunity right now is clear - and should not be missed.
Taking informed and reasonable risk is absolutely mandatory for any organization to improve.
Waiting until all risk is avoided simply means that the moment to achieve improvement has passed.

[Jatalk]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

Pitch framing will not exist with ABS

Good point. Forgot about that. I think they are limited to two unsuccessful challenges so I guess it could apply.

[2ninr]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

My priorities are for STL to make CORRECT BASEBALL DECISIONS.
Bernal is a quality prospect and may well be at the top of his value - and STL should leverage that to fill far more pressing needs.
By the way, when you typed 'Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains" you perfectly described Crooks - who STL has under control for the next 6 years.
Bernal is expendable.

or vice versa.

Not quite.
Crooks is needed now.
Bernal is not and may or may not be in the future.
Which is why Crooks should be retained and Bernal dealt.

Bernal is not ready right now. Its a mute point (or Noot point)

Actually, that is precisely the point.
Pages is trusted by coaches and pitching staff, Crooks is ready for an extended look in 2026 and quite probably beyond.
Rodriguez is chasing down Bernal.
Bernal is caught in between.
Clearly the most logical trade piece if a catcher is moved.

Crooks and Pages are JAGS. 2026 fodder. Bernal and RainRod are our future. Don't trade either.

[Melville]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

My priorities are for STL to make CORRECT BASEBALL DECISIONS.
Bernal is a quality prospect and may well be at the top of his value - and STL should leverage that to fill far more pressing needs.
By the way, when you typed 'Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains" you perfectly described Crooks - who STL has under control for the next 6 years.
Bernal is expendable.

or vice versa.

Not quite.
Crooks is needed now.
Bernal is not and may or may not be in the future.
Which is why Crooks should be retained and Bernal dealt.

Bernal is not ready right now. Its a mute point (or Noot point)

Actually, that is precisely the point.
Pages is trusted by coaches and pitching staff, Crooks is ready for an extended look in 2026 and quite probably beyond.
Rodriguez is chasing down Bernal.
Bernal is caught in between.
Clearly the most logical trade piece if a catcher is moved.

Crooks and Pages are JAGS. 2026 fodder. Bernal and RainRod are our future. Don't trade either.

If nothing else, the catching position will be a fascinating topic for the Cardinals in 2026 and beyond - regardless of the various decisions they make.
Of course, the first shoe (or should I say, pitch) to drop will be how quickly the pitching staff forces Herrera out of the position (for the 3rd time).
After that, things get interesting.
Let's see what happens.
I am highly, highly confident in my analysis.

[Melville]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

Pitch framing will not exist with ABS

Good point. Forgot about that. I think they are limited to two unsuccessful challenges so I guess it could apply.

You are correct.
In fact, with challenges limited, it can be argued that framing will become more important.
Hitters may be less willing to challenge how the best catchers receive pitches.

[Bushiro]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

My priorities are for STL to make CORRECT BASEBALL DECISIONS.
Bernal is a quality prospect and may well be at the top of his value - and STL should leverage that to fill far more pressing needs.
By the way, when you typed 'Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains" you perfectly described Crooks - who STL has under control for the next 6 years.
Bernal is expendable.

or vice versa.

Not quite.
Crooks is needed now.
Bernal is not and may or may not be in the future.
Which is why Crooks should be retained and Bernal dealt.

Why is Crooks needed now? So we can have 3 catchers on the roster instead of 2? So we can win 75 games instead of 73?

Herrera is not an MLB catcher and never will be, while Pozo is a journeyman roster filler.
That leaves Pages and Crooks as potential viable options.
Further, 2026 is needed to evaluate Crooks at the MLB level - which is not yet needed from Bernal.
Additionally, Bernal is being pushed from below by Rodriguez.
Bernal may become a quality MLB catcher - no one is debating otherwise.
But, the organization is deep with catcher prospects and given where each is at right now, as well as where the organization is at, it is obvious that Bernal is the most obvious and appropriate trade piece option from the current group.
Bloom would be very, very foolish to pass on any quality opportunity to leverage Bernal to obtain needed talent at greater areas of need.

If you think Rodriguez can become a good catcher you think about trading Bernal ....if you think Crooks can hit enough you trade Bernal....if neither you hope Bernal continues on his upward trajectory

[Melville]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

My priorities are for STL to make CORRECT BASEBALL DECISIONS.
Bernal is a quality prospect and may well be at the top of his value - and STL should leverage that to fill far more pressing needs.
By the way, when you typed 'Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains" you perfectly described Crooks - who STL has under control for the next 6 years.
Bernal is expendable.

or vice versa.

Not quite.
Crooks is needed now.
Bernal is not and may or may not be in the future.
Which is why Crooks should be retained and Bernal dealt.

Why is Crooks needed now? So we can have 3 catchers on the roster instead of 2? So we can win 75 games instead of 73?

Herrera is not an MLB catcher and never will be, while Pozo is a journeyman roster filler.
That leaves Pages and Crooks as potential viable options.
Further, 2026 is needed to evaluate Crooks at the MLB level - which is not yet needed from Bernal.
Additionally, Bernal is being pushed from below by Rodriguez.
Bernal may become a quality MLB catcher - no one is debating otherwise.
But, the organization is deep with catcher prospects and given where each is at right now, as well as where the organization is at, it is obvious that Bernal is the most obvious and appropriate trade piece option from the current group.
Bloom would be very, very foolish to pass on any quality opportunity to leverage Bernal to obtain needed talent at greater areas of need.

If you think Rodriguez can become a good catcher you think about trading Bernal ....if you think Crooks can hit enough you trade Bernal....if neither you hope Bernal continues on his upward trajectory

Succinct.
And, I must say, deserving of being characterized as:
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

[Melville]

A free look:

https://thecardinalnation.com/tcn-2026- ... do-bernal/

Excellent thread.

[2ninr]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I’m not smart enough to evaluate the players but I am smart enough to know what I want in a catcher. Sure I want him to hit but my main priority is defense and the knowledge to control the staff and frankly the game. Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains. Those are my priorities

My priorities are for STL to make CORRECT BASEBALL DECISIONS.
Bernal is a quality prospect and may well be at the top of his value - and STL should leverage that to fill far more pressing needs.
By the way, when you typed 'Pitch framing, blocking, arm strength, and brains" you perfectly described Crooks - who STL has under control for the next 6 years.
Bernal is expendable.

or vice versa.

Not quite.
Crooks is needed now.
Bernal is not and may or may not be in the future.
Which is why Crooks should be retained and Bernal dealt.

Bernal is not ready right now. Its a mute point (or Noot point)

Actually, that is precisely the point.
Pages is trusted by coaches and pitching staff, Crooks is ready for an extended look in 2026 and quite probably beyond.
Rodriguez is chasing down Bernal.
Bernal is caught in between.
Clearly the most logical trade piece if a catcher is moved.

Crooks and Pages are JAGS. 2026 fodder. Bernal and RainRod are our future. Don't trade either.

If nothing else, the catching position will be a fascinating topic for the Cardinals in 2026 and beyond - regardless of the various decisions they make.
Of course, the first shoe (or should I say, pitch) to drop will be how quickly the pitching staff forces Herrera out of the position (for the 3rd time).
After that, things get interesting.
Let's see what happens.
I am highly, highly confident in my analysis.

I agree about Herrera. That's one of Blooms curiouser moves.

[Hoosier59]

We do seem to be in the catbird's seat with Crooks, Bernal and Rodriguez. The only issue is that Crooks hasn't taken hold yet and the other two are still toiling in the minors.

It isn't, IMO, time to be talking trade. That's scare talk. It only works when promise dims. Melville can point out to Hence, O'Neill and others who didn't live up to expectations...but that isn't a given. If Bernal continues to develop well, he'll be even more attractive next year and, by then, we'll have a better idea of what to expect from Crooks.

If it’s me I only trade one of the catchers if that is what it takes to really push a deal to get the player(s) that are badly wanted!
All of our catchers have a measure of uncertainty! We know Herrera can hit hit, but can he handle a full load of catching?
Pages is a solid, but not great defensive catcher, who displays some power, but with a high K rate!
Crooks has should above average catching skills in the minors, with solid batting lines, especially in producing runs. His call up last year, however, didn’t go all that well. With that said, Masyn Winn’s first MLB action was less than stellar too. If Crooks has a good Spring, and Herrera shows improvement, those two would make a solid catching tandem, with Crooks seeing most of the playing time behind the plate and Herrera at the DH position. A 60-40, or 65-35 split possibly. I’m not sure what they do then with Pages, as a trade of catchers is rare at the end of Spring Training.
My hope is that Crooks and Herrera both show well this Spring, as both could be key RBI hitters in the Cardinals line up.

[RamFan08NY]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I think the catcher position is a pretty significant position of need for the Cardinals. They basically dont have a fixture at that position yet. They've got a good group with potential. Making the right choice is key.

[rockondlouie]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

IMO this is dependent on R.R.'s progress behind the plate (by all reports his bat isn't going to be an issue).

If I was Bloom I wouldn't deal Bernal until I had made a decision on R.R.'s future position.

IF Bloom see's R.R. as the catcher of the future, then dealing Bernal for an OF'er or 3rd baseman would be a solid move.

But at this stage Bernal's values isn't going to go down this season, in fact it could go even higher w/a strong 2026.

The catchers I move now are P. Pages (add him into any Donovan or JoJo deals), then Crooks after the 2026 season if Bernal is still in the organization.

But again, they key this year is for Bloom and his team to decide what path R.R. is on position wise before you make any move w/Bernal.

JMO

Always respect your opinion.
Always well thought out.
And there is a valid argument that if Rodriguez develops, Bernal can be traded next off-season.
However, that is exactly the type of approach Super Slo Mo embodied, and it was extremely destructive.
Delay, caution, fear, timidity caused him to miss countless opportunities.
If Bernal can be packaged to obtain high quality at a position of greater need right now, Bloom should do it.
No sense in waiting a year since the goal today is to restock.
No sense risking injury which could derail Bernal.
No sense risking a step back in his performance which could diminish his value.
Strategic thinking is usually about the "when" more so than the "who".
If Bloom has an opportunity, he should not let is pass by.
I was the only person on the planet who understood the RIGHT TIME to trade Hence was the fall of 2022.
I was also 100% correct in identifying the RIGHT TIME to trade DeJong, Martinez, Reyes, The Paper Tyler and several others over the years - and Mo missed the moment every single time.
The relevant question is not whether Bernal is a quality prospect.
It is a matter of which catcher should be traded and when - and as of today, by far the most logical option is Bernal.
I am genuinely hopeful that Bloom understands this type of important strategic thinking far more than Mo ever did.
He will not succeed otherwise.

I think this differs from (Slo) Mo though mel.

R.R. is (possibly) and upper level talent, one who at catcher could be very special.

But he's only 18 yrs old and (likely) years away from St. Louis.

There's also so who wonder if catcher is his eventual position in MLB.

Bernal is also trending towards being a special catcher.

Dealing him before the organization knows if R.R. is indeed the catcher of the future would be a hasty decision.

Now almost anyone is available at the right price and if some GM is offering a young 3rd baseman or OFer w/power who has many years of control left, then of course you have to consider dealing Bernal.

Leo turns 22 yrs old in February and starting at Memphis, it's highly doubtful he losses any trade value if the team waits a year to get another long look at R.R. behind the plate to decide if the catcher of the future.

I don't deal him until that question is answered.

JMO

[rockondlouie]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

IMO this is dependent on R.R.'s progress behind the plate (by all reports his bat isn't going to be an issue).

If I was Bloom I wouldn't deal Bernal until I had made a decision on R.R.'s future position.

IF Bloom see's R.R. as the catcher of the future, then dealing Bernal for an OF'er or 3rd baseman would be a solid move.

But at this stage Bernal's values isn't going to go down this season, in fact it could go even higher w/a strong 2026.

The catchers I move now are P. Pages (add him into any Donovan or JoJo deals), then Crooks after the 2026 season if Bernal is still in the organization.

But again, they key this year is for Bloom and his team to decide what path R.R. is on position wise before you make any move w/Bernal.

JMO

Agree that if the front office decides that Rodriguez is the catcher of the future, then Bernal is the better trade piece. Crooks can catch until Rodriguez is ready.

It seems like with the catchers we have, that they would move him to get his bat in the lineup everyday, but somehow the Mariners find a way to get Cal Raleigh's bat in the lineup- so it can be done.

My early opinion is that Crooks will be a good catcher defensively and a reasonable bat, but Bernal will be better. I believe Bernal will be better defensively than RR, but will not compare with the bat. All 3 will be good enough to be major league starters.

Agreed

And Mike Piazza was no whiz behind the plate either but his bat (PED aided) was special.

P. Pages can go midseason (if some team wants him) if Bernal is ready to make the jump, sharing the catching duties w/Crooks.

I don't rush to deal Bernal until I'm sold on R.R. being able to handle the work behind the plate.

[ClassicO]

Considering all the prospects and roster catchers in the organization, it will be extremely interesting to see what the Bloom regime does regarding trades. In some ways this is the most important decision he has to make.

Absolutely correct.
And though it is not popular nor understood, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to trade Bernal to address positions of greater need.

I understand it Mel. If Bernal doesn't continue an upward trajectory in aaa his value craters. But his ceiling is much higher than Crooks. I've thought about it, and I would keep them all. But-You may be right
I may be crazy
Oh, but it just may be a lunatic you're looking for
Turn out the light
Don't try to save me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right

Following the 2022 season, I was the only person on the planet who correctly advised trading Tink Hence - who many considered STL's #1 prospect.
Everyone without exception disagreed.
Everyone without exception was wrong.
I have been proven correct.
Now, his stock has fallen like a rock and STL missed a huge opportunity.
This stuff isn't hard.
There are 3 foundational questions that should guide such decisions - what are the short-term and long-term needs, what is the knowable, risk, what is the potential reward?
With Hence, asking those questions made the answer ridiculously obvious - even though I was the only person who could see it.
The same questions, applied to Bernal, make the answer just as obvious.
I can list a dozen or more STL prospects, or players at the beginning of the MLB career, whom over the past decade I advised keeping, or trading.
As far as I can recall, I have been proven correct every single time.
If Bloom can acquire the right return (which I am happy to identify) for Bernal, there is zero question that he should be traded.

The only thing wrong with this is the blatant lie that you advised trading Hence. Fabrication. I'd know!
And this is the 200th time you've told us to trade Bernal. It's getting old...