Breaking: St. Louis Cardinals have much bigger long-term problems

Breaking: St. Louis Cardinals Face Long-Term Challenges Beyond 2024 Season

The 2023 season has been a tumultuous one for the St. Louis Cardinals, a team that entered the year with high expectations but found itself mired in mediocrity. Yet, as the season winds down, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Cardinals’ problems are not just limited to their current struggles. The organization faces a host of long-term issues that could significantly impact their competitiveness in the years to come.

Pitching Woes: A Lingering Concern

The most glaring issue facing the Cardinals is their pitching staff. Once a cornerstone of the team’s success, the Cardinals’ pitching has been inconsistent at best in recent seasons. In 2023, the starting rotation has been a particular sore spot. Miles Mikolas, who was expected to be a reliable arm, has struggled with inconsistency, and other starters like Steven Matz and Jack Flaherty have failed to stay healthy or perform at the level needed to anchor the staff. The bullpen has been equally problematic, with closer Ryan Helsley and others failing to shut down opponents in crucial moments.

Looking ahead, the Cardinals lack a clear plan for rebuilding their rotation. Adam Wainwright, the veteran leader, is nearing the end of his career, and there are no obvious candidates in the farm system ready to step into ace roles. The Cardinals have traditionally been reluctant to spend big on free-agent pitchers, but without a significant investment, their pitching woes could extend well into the future.

Aging Core Players

Another long-term concern is the age of the Cardinals’ core players. Stars like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado have been the backbone of the team’s lineup, but both are on the wrong side of 30. While they remain productive, the window for them to lead a championship-caliber team is closing. The Cardinals have yet to identify younger players who can take over as the face of the franchise when Goldschmidt and Arenado inevitably decline.

The team’s reliance on veterans has also stunted the development of younger talent. Players like Dylan Carlson and Nolan Gorman have shown flashes of potential, but they have not yet developed into consistent everyday contributors. Without a new wave of young stars, the Cardinals risk falling behind in a league that increasingly values youth and athleticism.

Front Office Uncertainty

The Cardinals’ front office, long seen as one of the most stable and successful in baseball, is now facing criticism for a series of questionable decisions. The trade of Randy Arozarena, who has blossomed into a star with the Tampa Bay Rays, is often cited as a major misstep. Similarly, the failure to adequately address the team’s pitching needs through trades or free agency has left fans and analysts alike questioning the direction of the franchise.

John Mozeliak, the team’s President of Baseball Operations, has been at the helm for nearly two decades, overseeing much of the team’s success. However, his recent track record has been mixed, and there are growing calls for fresh leadership to guide the Cardinals into the future. The reluctance to embrace analytics fully and the inability to capitalize on the international market have also been points of contention.

Financial Constraints

Financially, the Cardinals are in a challenging position. While they have traditionally operated with a middle-of-the-road payroll, the contracts of Goldschmidt, Arenado, and other veterans limit their flexibility. The team has also been cautious in pursuing top-tier free agents, preferring to build from within. However, the current farm system is not as deep as it once was, and without significant reinforcements, the Cardinals could find themselves stuck in mediocrity.

The Cardinals also face increasing competition within the National League Central. Teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are making strides in their own rebuilds, while the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates have young cores that could become formidable in the coming years. If the Cardinals fail to adapt, they risk being overtaken in their division, something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

A Fan Base Losing Patience

The Cardinals have long enjoyed one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in baseball, but even that is being tested. Attendance at Busch Stadium has been strong, but there are signs of frustration among the fans, who are accustomed to a winning tradition. A prolonged period of mediocrity could erode that support, putting even more pressure on the front office to turn things around.

The Road Ahead

The St. Louis Cardinals are at a crossroads. While they have the resources and history to remain competitive, the challenges they face are significant. Addressing their pitching problems, finding the next generation of star players, and potentially rethinking their front office strategy will be crucial if the Cardinals hope to return to their status as perennial contenders. Otherwise, the proud franchise could be in for some difficult years ahead.