Bloom on the course for this season

[mattmitchl44]

No big additions this season

I would, however expect Bloom is already searching the back alleys of MLB for some help in the pen'

Im fine with them not being buyers at the deadline. But I hope they dont sabotage a post season possibility by being sellers. This group would benefit from playoff experience even if it is short-lived. A sell-off would only create more animosity from the fans.

As always. it depends on the deal.

If some team offers massive value for a guy that isn't part of our long-term future, you might make that deal even if if lessons the chance at a WC. The team can fight ahead anyway. You learn more from losing than winning.

The goal is to win the WS. Not surprise everyone by making a WC game.

So trading for one or two prospects guarantees winning a World Series? Last time I checked making the WC gives you a better shot than 4th place does.

If the Cardinals built a great team, they might have a 10% chance of wining a ring for each of 4 or 5 seasons. In the long term, that's a much better bet than squeaking into a wild card game as the 10th or 12th best team in the majors and hoping for miracle.

The team has finally made the right move towards rebuilding. The worst thing they could do is let early and lucky results distract them from completing the rebuild before they've got the team ready to truly compete, not for 3rd place and a Wild Card game but for the World Series.

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

[sikeston bulldog2]

No big additions this season

I would, however expect Bloom is already searching the back alleys of MLB for some help in the pen'

Im fine with them not being buyers at the deadline. But I hope they dont sabotage a post season possibility by being sellers. This group would benefit from playoff experience even if it is short-lived. A sell-off would only create more animosity from the fans.

As always. it depends on the deal.

If some team offers massive value for a guy that isn't part of our long-term future, you might make that deal even if if lessons the chance at a WC. The team can fight ahead anyway. You learn more from losing than winning.

The goal is to win the WS. Not surprise everyone by making a WC game.

So trading for one or two prospects guarantees winning a World Series? Last time I checked making the WC gives you a better shot than 4th place does.

If the Cardinals built a great team, they might have a 10% chance of wining a ring for each of 4 or 5 seasons. In the long term, that's a much better bet than squeaking into a wild card game as the 10th or 12th best team in the majors and hoping for miracle.

The team has finally made the right move towards rebuilding. The worst thing they could do is let early and lucky results distract them from completing the rebuild before they've got the team ready to truly compete, not for 3rd place and a Wild Card game but for the World Series.

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

That approach , get in and anything can happen generally reign true, as many favorites lose once in. And many under dogs win. Rarely is the championship series in any sport a match between the two best records.

[Ronnie Dobbs]

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

Not only that, but how many guys have wanted Mo fired for years? "Just get into the playoff and anything can happen" was basically the game plan for the last however many years of his tenure here. How did that work out for the franchise? Now all of a sudden those people want to go back to that? In the first year of rebuilding at the MLB level? I don't understand that thinking.

If they are playing at this level at the deadline, I can get behind them holding onto players instead of trading them. Maybe they can make some minor moves, move some redundant players on the roster, and get BP/bench help, I can get behind that. Even if there is a prospect or two that they have lost faith in and another team wants for some reason. Go for it.

But I think that they need to stick to the rebuild plan and I'm happy to hear Bloom being honest about that right now.

[sikeston bulldog2]

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

Not only that, but how many guys have wanted Mo fired for years? "Just get into the playoff and anything can happen" was basically the game plan for the last however many years of his tenure here. How did that work out for the franchise? Now all of a sudden those people want to go back to that? In the first year of rebuilding at the MLB level? I don't understand that thinking.

If they are playing at this level at the deadline, I can get behind them holding onto players instead of trading them. Maybe they can make some minor moves, move some redundant players on the roster, and get BP/bench help, I can get behind that. Even if there is a prospect or two that they have lost faith in and another team wants for some reason. Go for it.

But I think that they need to stick to the rebuild plan and I'm happy to hear Bloom being honest about that right now.

Good write. I think the rebuild has shown not only stl but all of baseball the incredible interjections of spirited youth.
Combine that with proper talent, then some luck, and you get to where we are.

I don’t think they go heavy unless a major injury occurs. And even then, I’m not for certain.

[ecleme22]

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

Not only that, but how many guys have wanted Mo fired for years? "Just get into the playoff and anything can happen" was basically the game plan for the last however many years of his tenure here. How did that work out for the franchise? Now all of a sudden those people want to go back to that? In the first year of rebuilding at the MLB level? I don't understand that thinking.

If they are playing at this level at the deadline, I can get behind them holding onto players instead of trading them. Maybe they can make some minor moves, move some redundant players on the roster, and get BP/bench help, I can get behind that. Even if there is a prospect or two that they have lost faith in and another team wants for some reason. Go for it.

But I think that they need to stick to the rebuild plan and I'm happy to hear Bloom being honest about that right now.

I don't think the approach was "just get into the playoff and anything can happen".

I think that was something said, and it has merit, but I don't think that was the approach.

I think, with MO's last decade, we were dealing with a system that wasn't good at evaluating talent or building a complete 25/26 man roster.

Grichuk and O'Neill weren't championed as studs because we were 'Just trying to sneak into the playoffs." Nor was DeJong given a 6-year deal, Arozarena traded, the disastrous Ozuna trade, etc.

St. Louis will always have to be creative to compete vs the big money teams. MO just wasn't very good at it.

[Talkin' Baseball]

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

Not only that, but how many guys have wanted Mo fired for years? "Just get into the playoff and anything can happen" was basically the game plan for the last however many years of his tenure here. How did that work out for the franchise? Now all of a sudden those people want to go back to that? In the first year of rebuilding at the MLB level? I don't understand that thinking.

If they are playing at this level at the deadline, I can get behind them holding onto players instead of trading them. Maybe they can make some minor moves, move some redundant players on the roster, and get BP/bench help, I can get behind that. Even if there is a prospect or two that they have lost faith in and another team wants for some reason. Go for it.

But I think that they need to stick to the rebuild plan and I'm happy to hear Bloom being honest about that right now.

I don't think the approach was "just get into the playoff and anything can happen".

I think that was something said, and it has merit, but I don't think that was the approach.

I think, with MO's last decade, we were dealing with a system that wasn't good at evaluating talent or building a complete 25/26 man roster.

Grichuk and O'Neill weren't championed as studs because we were 'Just trying to sneak into the playoffs." Nor was DeJong given a 6-year deal, Arozarena traded, the disastrous Ozuna trade, etc.

St. Louis will always have to be creative to compete vs the big money teams. MO just wasn't very good at it.

I actually think it was both. I think it was the model, but agree the org wasn't good at evaluation, development, and roster building.

[rockondlouie]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Closer might be the only age independent position in the rebuild.

[rockondlouie]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Closer might be the only age independent position in the rebuild.

"independent"?

No way BDog

I'll add he's been injury prone and RP's are volatile from season to season.

SELL HIGH!

[mattmitchl44]

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

Not only that, but how many guys have wanted Mo fired for years? "Just get into the playoff and anything can happen" was basically the game plan for the last however many years of his tenure here. How did that work out for the franchise? Now all of a sudden those people want to go back to that? In the first year of rebuilding at the MLB level? I don't understand that thinking.

If they are playing at this level at the deadline, I can get behind them holding onto players instead of trading them. Maybe they can make some minor moves, move some redundant players on the roster, and get BP/bench help, I can get behind that. Even if there is a prospect or two that they have lost faith in and another team wants for some reason. Go for it.

But I think that they need to stick to the rebuild plan and I'm happy to hear Bloom being honest about that right now.

I don't think the approach was "just get into the playoff and anything can happen".

I think that was something said, and it has merit, but I don't think that was the approach.

I think, with MO's last decade, we were dealing with a system that wasn't good at evaluating talent or building a complete 25/26 man roster.

Grichuk and O'Neill weren't championed as studs because we were 'Just trying to sneak into the playoffs." Nor was DeJong given a 6-year deal, Arozarena traded, the disastrous Ozuna trade, etc.

St. Louis will always have to be creative to compete vs the big money teams. MO just wasn't very good at it.

I actually think it was both. I think it was the model, but agree the org wasn't good at evaluation, development, and roster building.

Yes, more than one thing can be true.

[ecleme22]

And, note, the more rounds of playoff that that WC team has to navigate through and the more prevalent that "superteams" like the Dodgers, etc. become (i.e., the greater the polarization between the very few "have" teams and the many "have not" teams) the more true that becomes.

Those if favor of the Cardinals continuing their prior "just get into the playoff and anything can happen approach" are, I think, not dealing with the reality of how the baseball landscape has changed.

Not only that, but how many guys have wanted Mo fired for years? "Just get into the playoff and anything can happen" was basically the game plan for the last however many years of his tenure here. How did that work out for the franchise? Now all of a sudden those people want to go back to that? In the first year of rebuilding at the MLB level? I don't understand that thinking.

If they are playing at this level at the deadline, I can get behind them holding onto players instead of trading them. Maybe they can make some minor moves, move some redundant players on the roster, and get BP/bench help, I can get behind that. Even if there is a prospect or two that they have lost faith in and another team wants for some reason. Go for it.

But I think that they need to stick to the rebuild plan and I'm happy to hear Bloom being honest about that right now.

I don't think the approach was "just get into the playoff and anything can happen".

I think that was something said, and it has merit, but I don't think that was the approach.

I think, with MO's last decade, we were dealing with a system that wasn't good at evaluating talent or building a complete 25/26 man roster.

Grichuk and O'Neill weren't championed as studs because we were 'Just trying to sneak into the playoffs." Nor was DeJong given a 6-year deal, Arozarena traded, the disastrous Ozuna trade, etc.

St. Louis will always have to be creative to compete vs the big money teams. MO just wasn't very good at it.

I actually think it was both. I think it was the model, but agree the org wasn't good at evaluation, development, and roster building.

Yes, more than one thing can be true.

There is a “if we can just get into the playoffs”
philosophy.

MO’s post TLR years aren’t a good representation of that philosophy.

[Ozziesfan41]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Closer might be the only age independent position in the rebuild.

"independent"?

No way BDog

I'll add he's been injury prone and RP's are volatile from season to season.

SELL HIGH!

Agree Mel and others were crying about not trading helsley because you can’t trade your closer Mel wanted him signed for 4 years 17 million a season and helsley sucked the rest of the season and now is on the IL with elbow inflammation. Like I said at the last deadline relievers are a bad investment and volatile from year to year so if you can get good pieces for them trade them

[rockondlouie]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Closer might be the only age independent position in the rebuild.

"independent"?

No way BDog

I'll add he's been injury prone and RP's are volatile from season to season.

SELL HIGH!

Agree Mel and others were crying about not trading helsley because you can’t trade your closer Mel wanted him signed for 4 years 17 million a season and helsley sucked the rest of the season and now is on the IL with elbow inflammation. Like I said at the last deadline relievers are a bad investment and volatile from year to year so if you can get good pieces for them trade them

BINGO

Yet another Mo blunder was NOT selling high on Helsely.

Spot on about RP's, other than the best, being unreliable year to year.

[hugeCardfan]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Of course he fits the long term plan rock. He is cheap and has 5 years of contract control. That's the very definition of the long term plan.

Age?

As of early May 2026, several veteran relievers aged 33 or older are leading or competing for closing roles, relying on experience, high-velocity, and proven track records.

[Aroldis Chapman (38 years old, Red Sox): Turned back the clock to become "fantasy gold" in 2025, elite in 2026, and is considered one of the best closers in the league due to improved command and continued high velocity.

[Raisel Iglesias (36 years old, Braves): Despite being in his mid-30s, he remains a top-tier closer, starting the 2026 season with multiple saves and a 0.00 ERA through his first few appearances.

[Kenley Jansen (38 years old, Tigers): Approaching 500 career saves, the veteran continues to be a reliable, high-leverage option in 2026.

[Carlos Estévez (33 years old, Royals): A key 2025 saves leader who entered his age-33 season with strong expectations to continue closing for Kansas City.

[Kyle Finnegan (34 years old, Tigers/Nationals): Recorded 38 saves in 2025 and continued to be a proven closer option in 2026.

[Trevor Megill (32-33 years old, Brewers): While he was 32 at the end of 2025, his role as a primary 2025 closer and 2026 contender places him among this veteran group.

At some point, trading veterans for prospects is just kicking the can down the road. Sure a player could get hurt, but, you keep players for their utility and hope they stay healthy. You don't trade them because they could get hurt.

I hear the argument for getting blown away in a trade. Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away". Don't trade a really effective current player with 5 years of control for prospects...or loaners.

It isn't like we won't be competitive for a couple years. We have players who are ready to compete now. Finally Walker, Gorman and Herrera have traction. Church is turning heads. Winn, Weatherholt are great defensively and getting it done offensively. Burleson too. Catching is there and beating down the door. The last thing we want to do is undermine the one weakness...pitching. Sure, trade the veterans closing on FA...Nootbarr, Romero etc. Not our stud closer. What do ya hate about 19 K's and one BB?

[Ozziesfan41]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Closer might be the only age independent position in the rebuild.

"independent"?

No way BDog

I'll add he's been injury prone and RP's are volatile from season to season.

SELL HIGH!

Agree Mel and others were crying about not trading helsley because you can’t trade your closer Mel wanted him signed for 4 years 17 million a season and helsley sucked the rest of the season and now is on the IL with elbow inflammation. Like I said at the last deadline relievers are a bad investment and volatile from year to year so if you can get good pieces for them trade them

BINGO

Yet another Mo blunder was NOT selling high on Helsely.

Spot on about RP's, other than the best, being unreliable year to year.

And even then they are unreliable hader one of the best signed a big contract with the astros 100
Million 3.80 ERA his first year was great last season hasn’t thrown a pitch this season Diaz didn’t pitch in 2023 3.52 ERA in 2024 amazing in 2025 10.50 ERA in 2026 and now on the IL. The elite closers are the worst investments because they command such high prices. And the cardinals replaced their “elite” closer with a guy they picked up for cash lol

[Futuregm2]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Of course he fits the long term plan rock. He is cheap and has 5 years of contract control. That's the very definition of the long term plan.

Age?

As of early May 2026, several veteran relievers aged 33 or older are leading or competing for closing roles, relying on experience, high-velocity, and proven track records.

[Aroldis Chapman (38 years old, Red Sox): Turned back the clock to become "fantasy gold" in 2025, elite in 2026, and is considered one of the best closers in the league due to improved command and continued high velocity.

[Raisel Iglesias (36 years old, Braves): Despite being in his mid-30s, he remains a top-tier closer, starting the 2026 season with multiple saves and a 0.00 ERA through his first few appearances.

[Kenley Jansen (38 years old, Tigers): Approaching 500 career saves, the veteran continues to be a reliable, high-leverage option in 2026.

[Carlos Estévez (33 years old, Royals): A key 2025 saves leader who entered his age-33 season with strong expectations to continue closing for Kansas City.

[Kyle Finnegan (34 years old, Tigers/Nationals): Recorded 38 saves in 2025 and continued to be a proven closer option in 2026.

[Trevor Megill (32-33 years old, Brewers): While he was 32 at the end of 2025, his role as a primary 2025 closer and 2026 contender places him among this veteran group.

At some point, trading veterans for prospects is just kicking the can down the road. Sure a player could get hurt, but, you keep players for their utility and hope they stay healthy. You don't trade them because they could get hurt.

I hear the argument for getting blown away in a trade. Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away". Don't trade a really effective current player with 5 years of control for prospects...or loaners.

It isn't like we won't be competitive for a couple years. We have players who are ready to compete now. Finally Walker, Gorman and Herrera have traction. Church is turning heads. Winn, Weatherholt are great defensively and getting it done offensively. Burleson too. Catching is there and beating down the door. The last thing we want to do is undermine the one weakness...pitching. Sure, trade the veterans closing on FA...Nootbarr, Romero etc. Not our stud closer. What do ya hate about 19 K's and one BB?

Not to nitpick, but I wouldn’t lump Gorman in with Walker/Herrera as “gaining traction”. Gorman’s OPS+ is 90, the same as it was last year and basically the same as 2024. He’s still stinking offensively.