Cardinals Reset: Chaim Bloom’s Bold Overhaul Ushers in a New Era in St. Louis
The winds of change are blowing through Busch Stadium, and Chaim Bloom is at the center of the storm. Since taking over as President of Baseball Operations, Bloom has wasted no time reshaping the St.
Louis Cardinals-trimming payroll, retooling the roster, and setting the stage for a youth-driven resurgence. In the process, the Cardinals are heading into 2026 with their leanest payroll since 2010 (excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season), and a brand-new identity.
Gone are cornerstone veterans Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, both now wearing Red Sox uniforms. Nolan Arenado, a fixture at third base and a fan favorite, is back in the NL West with Arizona. Those moves weren’t just about cost-cutting-they were about clearing the deck for a new wave of talent, especially on the mound.
Pitching Youth Movement
Seven new arms have been added to the 40-man roster, headlined by free-agent righty Dustin May, who-if healthy-has the stuff to lead a rotation. Alongside him are intriguing starters like Hunter Dobbins and Richard Fitts, who bring upside and depth to a staff that’s been in desperate need of both. Behind them, nine more pitchers have been added to the minor league system, giving the Cardinals a much-needed injection of talent and boosting their farm system rankings across the league.
For the first time in recent memory, the Cardinals avoided the awkward dance of arbitration hearings, locking in deals with all eligible players. It’s a small detail, but a meaningful one-no need for public squabbles over salary figures that can damage relationships with the very players the team is counting on for the future.
So far, Bloom’s vision is clear: make the roster younger, more flexible, and more sustainable. The Arenado trade, while painful for fans, opened up opportunities-not just financially, but on the field.
Alec Burleson now has a shot to claim first base. The rotation isn’t clogged with aging, overpaid arms.
The door is wide open for the next generation.
Enter JJ Wetherholt
One of the most exciting outcomes of the Arenado deal? It clears a path for JJ Wetherholt, the Cardinals’ top prospect and one of the most anticipated young players in the organization. Whether he slots in at second or third base, Wetherholt’s presence on Opening Day would be a major injection of energy-and a sign that the Cardinals are serious about building around their youth.
He’s the kind of talent that makes fans brave a chilly April afternoon just to catch a glimpse of what’s next.
Brendan Donovan: Trade Chip or Franchise Pillar?
One of the biggest remaining decisions for Bloom revolves around Brendan Donovan. The versatile infielder is a proven defender, a steady bat, and a clubhouse leader. He’s also a valuable trade chip-and Bloom knows it.
If the Cardinals are going to move Donovan, the return has to be substantial. We’re talking a young, cost-controlled top-of-the-rotation starter, or multiple top-10 prospects from a rival farm system. Anything less, and it’s not worth it.
But if that kind of deal doesn’t materialize? Lock Donovan up long-term.
Plant him at second or third, and let him be a leader for this young team. He already carries himself like a future red jacket guy-someone who could be a Cardinal for life.
Too Many Bats, Not Enough Spots
Beyond Donovan, Bloom has another puzzle to solve: roster redundancy. Right now, the Cardinals are heavy on left-handed bats and overloaded at catcher. That means tough decisions are coming-especially for Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman.
Gorman, who turns 26 in May, has had his chances. Over 800 plate appearances across the last two seasons, he’s been roughly 12% below league average offensively. Even with Arenado gone, there’s no clear everyday spot for him in the field.
Nootbaar, now 28, has struggled to stay healthy and consistent. While he still holds value on the trade market, the clock is ticking. With Joshua Baez pushing for a big-league look and Ivan Herrera potentially shifting positions, Bloom may need to make a move sooner than later.
Catcher Conundrum
Speaking of Herrera-he’s currently penciled in as the team’s starting catcher. But that role is far from secure.
Behind him, there’s a crowd: Pedro Pages, Yohel Pozo, and top prospects Jimmy Crooks and Leonardo Bernal are all in the mix. Bernal likely starts the year in Triple-A Memphis, while Rainiel Rodriguez, the organization’s No. 3 prospect, is slated for Double-A Springfield.
If Herrera re-establishes himself behind the plate, one of Pages or Pozo will likely be the odd man out. Crooks would have to completely fall apart in spring training to miss the Opening Day roster. Pages brings strong defense, Pozo brings a promising bat-it’s a classic upside vs. floor decision.
But if Herrera can’t handle the rigors of catching? His bat is too valuable to stash on the bench. That could mean time at DH-cutting into Gorman’s at-bats-or a move to left field, which would further complicate Nootbaar’s status.
Final Touches
The heavy lifting may be done, but Bloom’s first offseason in St. Louis isn’t over just yet. A few key decisions remain, and they’ll shape the tone of the 2026 season.
This is going to be a young team, no doubt about it. But it’s also a team with upside, intrigue, and the kind of fresh energy that could bring fans back to the ballpark.
The Cardinals aren’t just rebuilding-they’re recalibrating. And if Bloom’s vision stays on track, the next era of Cardinals baseball might arrive faster than expected.