Hey there! It’s Monday, which means it’s Cardinals chat day here at STL Today dot com. Post-Dispatch baseball writer Daniel Guerrero here. I will be on the chat to field your questions and comments. We’re now a couple of weeks removed from the end of the Cardinals’ 2025 season. The Chaim Bloom era has been ushered in, the Arizona Fall League is underway, and there is postseason baseball in full swing. What do you want to talk about? Let’s hear it.

(There will be a transcript of the chat below the text box. I’ll update that as often as possible.)

Matt: Are the Cardinals tied to any of the top International prospect free agents? It always seems the Cardinals land a handful of the top-50 players but not necessarily a top-10 prospect – I’m curious if that will change under Chaim. Thanks DG

Guerrero: I’ve seen the Cardinals linked to one player ranked in the top-10 of the 2026 international signing class, with that being Emanuel Luna, a 16-year-old outfielder. Baseball America reported the link between Luna and the Cardinals. Luna ranks as the No. 8 prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50. He’s described as having “huge raw power” for his age and has a selective approach, per Baseball America. He’s believed to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and has the potential to grow into plus-plus raw power and become a 30-homer type hitter. He’s a plus runner, per his Baseball America scouting report, and is said to move around “well” in center field. When it comes to the Cardinals’ approach in international free agency under Bloom, this was an area that is a “critical” aspect of their approach and an area they will continue to invest in. Bloom said he was encouraged by the progress there and expressed optimism in continuing to move forward in that area.

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Mark: Was the Herrera OF experiment deemed a disaster or something? With all the C depth, it seems wholly unneeded to play him there if he can be a passable LF with his thump at the plate.

Guerrero: I don’t think it was deemed a disaster by any means. Keep in mind that this was done to help open up DH at-bats for other Cardinals. That was needed as the grind of the season wore on. Also, remember Herrera was removed from the catching equation midseason because of the two injuries to his lower half. The Cardinals wanted to keep him healthy and in their lineup, so DH became the clear spot for him to occupy. Left field was a short-term experiment for what was needed in-season. We’ve learned Herrera will remain a catcher. He’ll use this offseason to improve on throwing and game-calling. 

chico: Thanks for the chats.I’m wondering if anything has been said about staff changes,what have you heard?

Guerrero: I haven’t heard anything new on that front. We know, from Bloom’s introductory press conference, that the Cardinals were sorting out field staff decisions for 2026. We also know the Cardinals, manager Oli Marmol, and Yadier Molina have been in contact about a potential role for Molina with the team in 2026. Molina recently spoke with El Vocero, a newspaper based in Puerto Rico, and confirmed the talks, which my P-D teammate Derrick Goold has also previously reported.

Ron: I wonder if the FO plans on trading all three veterans with no trade clauses

Guerrero: We know the Cardinals, under Bloom, are expected to explore trades for Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray. Bloom touched on the possibilities for Gray and noted the Cardinals have a “clear fit” for Gray in St. Louis, but said they would “see what’s out there” for something that could “make sense” for both parties. Bloom also spoke optimistically about how he feels Gray would treat remaining with the Cardinals. With Willson Contreras, Contreras spoke about his future during the final series of the season and said he told Bloom he wants to be a part of the club’s current process.

Matt: The Cardinals orginization the last 2 years have had 2 very different offseasons. Last year, they barely spent any money and were hamstrung by trying to move Nado. The year prior, they struck deals early with Lynn/Gibson and signed Gray a few weeks later. What type of off season do you see for the Cardinals coming up? A slow burn or does Chaim strike right away with a move or two? Thanks, DG. You’ve been great all year – a positive WAR writer.

Guerrero: This has been a little difficult to gauge because of a number of moving parts. What we do know is that the Cardinals are going to explore an Arenado trade again this winter. As mentioned previously in this chat, there could be some exploration for a Gray trade. We also know from President Bill DeWitt III that improvements to other areas of the roster could come if a “giant chunk” of payroll is traded. The Cardinals could be in the market for a starting pitcher this winter, but Bloom said it wasn’t a “certainty” they make a move on that front since they don’t want to clog a spot for a player they feel is ready to take on. Bloom also emphasized giving players enough time to develop in Class AAA before getting them to the majors, so there could be a balance weighed there for the approach in free agency.

Millo: Daniel, just received a phone notification that Mike Shildt resigned. Any word?

Guerrero: That is correct. Mike Shildt has stepped down as manager of the Padres with two years remaining on his contract. The San Diego Union-Tribune had the news, and the Padres announced it shortly after.

deejay: Who do we have in the Arizona Fall League?

Guerrero: The eight players the Cardinals sent to the fall league this year include: right-handers Chen-Wei Lin, Darlin Saladin, Randel Clemente, Tyler Bradt, D.J. Carpenter, catcher Graysen Tarow, and outfielders Travis Honeyman and Miguel Ugueto. Lin, a 6-foot-7 starter with a fastball that has touched triple digits, is viewed a the top prospect in this group. Honeyman, a third-round draft pick in 2023, has performed well when healthy. The fall league gives him a chance to make up for at-bats he’s missed out on. Of the right-handed relievers the Cardinals invited to the fall league, Bradt has upper 90s mph fastball velocity and showed improved command this past season as he ascended to Class AA. 

Here’s a look at one development to watch for from each of the eight Cardinals prospects in the AFL.

bigron: What is the cards starting rotation in 2026, Libertore, McGreevy and who else?

Guerrero: I’d point out it really will take shape this winter. Count Sonny Gray alongside Matthew Liberatore and Michael McGreevy IF Gray isn’t traded this winter. Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante will compete for spots next spring. As noted in this chat, the Cardinals plan to take a look at the starting pitcher market to fill openings in the rotation, too.

Taguchi99: Hi Daniel, I saw it reported in the PD today that Gordon Graceffo would move forward as a reliever. With the lack of options in Memphis and his success in the role prior to last year, could you share why he’s no longer seen as a viable starting candidate? Thank you!

Guerrero: Yes, there is a lack of starter depth in the upper minors, largely due to injuries, and Graceffo has shown he can handle a starting role. But there are a couple of different aspects that intrigued the Cardinals to make the switch with Graceffo. They liked how his pitch repertoire could play up in a role as a short-burst reliever. The righty has shown the ability to touch the upper 90s mph with his fastball. He also flashed upper 90s mph velocity as a starter but had some troubles maintaining during his previous two seasons in Class AAA before this year. He throws a slider that touched the lower 90s mph and a curveball that had a 30% whiff rate this season. The thinking is that his stuff can be amplified in a bullpen role as he continues to adapt to it. The move sets Graceffo up to compete for a role in the bullpen, where the Cardinals also have some jobs up for grabs.

Uncle Redbird: Is there any pitcher in the system below AAA who has ace or no. 2 starter stuff?

Guerrero: Of players who have yet to appear in Class AAA, there are two that come to mind. Liam Doyle, the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft, and Tink Hence. Both have the stuff to either lead or be a No. 2 in a big-league rotation. We saw Doyle pitch just a handful of innings after the draft and got a start in Class AA before the minor league season wrapped up. Hence has been highly-regarded for some time, but has had issues staying healthy. Chaim Bloom said after his introductory press conference that Hence is healthy and will use the offseason to go through mechanical work that will allow Hence to be the best version of himself on the mound and help him stay healthy and handle his workload. Bloom was also asked if Hence will remain on a starter trajectory, but he noted the club has not gotten to a point where they’ve had to determine what Hence’s role may be moving forward. They want to see him in his best version and stay healthy first before a decision needs to be made.

ICCFIM: The Cardinals had a trio of pitchers in Springfield, Henderson, Mautz and Hansen who did quite well in 2025. Are any of these 3 viewed as future #1 or #2 starters. Compared to 2025, along with Quinn Mathews, the Cardinals should have more SP depth to call on.

Guerrero: Ixan Henderson, who was the Texas League pitcher of the year, ranks the highest of the three lefties you mentioned. He’s projected to be a back-end rotation piece. Brycen Matuz, who could win up in a bullpen role, and Pete Hansen both delivered strong years and will be susceptible to the Rule 5 Draft if they are not added to the Cardinals’ 40-man roster before the protection deadline later this offseason, so their status is a little unclear depending on what moves the Cardinals make. I agree that the quality seasons give the Cardinals more upper-minors depth, but I wouldn’t expect any to be rushed to the majors. 

Ken M: Are they using Marmol as a transition manager, and once they feel competitive again going to look elsewhere?

Guerrero: Bloom was asked about the possibility of an extension for Marmol a couple of weeks back and said that hadn’t been discussed yet, but he did speak positively about how their relationship has grown over this transition period and how he hopes it continues to build now that he has officially been made president of baseball operations.

Bigguy00: A couple of publications have significantly elevated the Cards’ farm system. However, the Statcast ranking don’t look too good. Opinion?

Guerrero: I certainly think the Cardinals’ farm system improved this year after falling down the rankings over the past few years. After taking a quick look at the latest statcast rankings published by Baseball America, it appears the Cardinals’ farm ranks near the middle of the pack across the majors in their latest hitting and pitching statcast rankings in the first year since they overhauled the system under Bloom and the staff brought in around him. As for the overall ranking, I think part of that is aided by some of the high-ranking prospects in the system. Infielder JJ Weterholt ranks as one of the top prospects across baseball. The addition of Liam Doyle gives the Cardinals a frontline pitching prospect. Though I don’t think that makes this system top-heavy. Rainiel Rodriguez’s arrival stateside showed he is also a Top 100 prospect. Leonardo Bernal is also another top 100 prospect and played an important role in Springfield’s Texas League title. And breakouts from the likes of Joshua Baez and Ixan Henderson aid the system’s depth. 

Millo: Daniel, I understand your take on Leahy possibly being a starter, but what a hole that leaves in the bullpen. Where is he more valuable to this team, starting or relieving? I know it probably depends on how the roster shakes out come next March. Thank you.

Guerrero: Right, there is a tradeoff of moving Leahy from the bullpen to the rotation if he ends up there next year. I mean, he posted a 3.07 ERA over 88 innings in a relief role that required him to work multiple innings at times. He was a big part of the bullpen. As far a value goes, I think, traditionally, there is more value in starting than in relieving if the results look good. That would leave a hole in the bullpen for a role that was imperative to the Cardinals, but I think there’s a case that filling a hole in the rotation can be pretty valuable.

Ken M: Poor base running was an issue this year. Can that be taught or is it mostly instinct?

Guerrero: There were some, uh, forgetful moments on the bases this year. Some number to contextualize it: The Cardinals finished the year with a plus-one in baserunning runs when it comes to baserunning run value, per Statcast. That was 13th across majors. They were 17th in extra bases taken run value with 27. The baserunning can be taught. We even saw the Cardinals take a step to improve that are in the minors by promoting former Class AA manager Jose Leger to assistant field coordinator and baserunning coordinator ahead of this season. In previous years, a baserunning coordinator role did not exist within the Cardinals’ farm system. 

Craftyrighthander: Thanks for the great coverage. What’s the potential upside for Tanner Franklin?

Guerrero: This could depend on the role he takes on. Franklin, the Cardinals’ second-round pick in this year’s draft, had multiple-inning outings with Tennessee this past year. The Cardinals view him as a potential starter, so he could have a chance to go down that track in 2026. Franklin throws a fastball in the upper 90s mph that has reached 102 mph in the past, and a cutter that gets to 90 mph, per Baseball America. He also throws a curveball, a slider, and a changeup, so he has the arsenal to start. But if he doesn’t, the fastball velocity and the hard cutter give him two pitches he can lean on if he grows into a bullpen role.

Moon: Any chance that we see Maton, Hesley or Matz back next year? One article mentioned how helpful Maton was in helping young pitchers watch to glean from reviewing video. That alone would be worth the money.

Guerrero: I’m not sure just how possible reunions are, but I don’t think that’s out of the realm of possibilities, considering the Cardinals could look to add relief depth in free agency. Bloom recently touched on the value of having Maton in the bullpen and also referenced Andrew Kittredge’s presence in 2024 as positives not just for results but for helping young relievers grow. Obviously, cost will be a factor, as will mutual interest. Before getting traded, Helsley talked about being open to coming back to St. Louis.

deejay: Do you think the Cardinals got enough in return when they traded their top three relievers?

Guerrero: Objectively, I think getting six players in return for three relievers on expiring deals was a good return for a farm system that needed depth. Getting Jesus Baez as the centerpiece in the Helsley deal gives the Cardinals a 20-year-old infielder with above-average bat-to-ball skills who could develop plus power. The deals also netted three starting prospects for a farm system hurt by pitching injuries. Replenishing the farm system was needed, and the three deals did so.

South City Steve: I understand the thought process by both you and Moon, but at some point this organization has to move forward and stop always looking to the past for answers and justifications. The last 3 seasons have been a parade of past players, farewell tours, and over-nostalgia. It’s time for some fresh faces.

Guerrero: I also understand your thought process, but I don’t see how singing any of those three relievers falls back in line with farewell tours and over-nostalgia of previous seasons. Yes, Helsley was a multi-time All-Star as a Cardinal, and Steven Matz spent the past four seasons with the Cardinals. Phil Maton was a Cardinal for 40 games total before being dealt. Maybe I just don’t think either of those would come across as similar to seasons like in 2022 with Pujols and Molina, 2023 with Wainwright, or even 2024 with Lance Lynn and Matt Carpenter. I don’t think the trio of relievers would be inking for one last go-around. I’d argue those deals would be a mix of adding quality arms to the bullpen if the goal is to remain competitive, while also giving the younger relievers experience they can lean on. It wouldn’t really feel like a nostalgia tour to me.

Craftyrighthander: Can you give me a name (other than Wetherholt or Doyle) of a minor league player who may make an impact at the MLB level in 2026? Thanks.

Guerrero: I’d keep Quinn Mathews in mind. Sure, that’s an obvious pick, but he was limited by injury this past year and still managed to total 94 innings in Class AAA this year. He posted a 3.93 ERA at the level while having inconsistent command at times. Of the Cardinals’ top pitching prospects, he’s the closest to reaching the majors. If he is ready and there is a spot open in the rotation, I can see him getting a shot to make an impact in the majors.

Rich: Does Chase Davis have a chance or does he fall with Gorman and Walker?

Guerrero: Just speaking in terms of development and what could be the next step for Davis as he continues to make his way up the minors, cutting down on strikeout rate could be a key for the former first-round draft pick. He batted .242 with a .358 on-base percentage, aided by a 13.6% walk rate. He hit 10 homers in 113 Class AA games after hitting 12 in 112 games across three levels in 2024. He did see a rise in his strikeout rate as it jumped from 23.8% in 2024 to 29.6% this year. The 23-year-old opened the year in Class AA. He could develop into an above-average corner outfielder with power, but cutting down on swing-and-miss will be important for him to continue growing.

Ed AuBuchon: Giving Leahy a chance to start just repeats a flaw in the Cardinal pitching problems. Relief pitchers can’t carry a starting pitchers innings and usually hit a wall mid-season. Give pitchers who have been minor league starters a chance to succeed.

Guerrero: I get what you’re saying with relievers hitting a wall as they become starters, but I don’t see that being a flaw for a team in a retooling phase like the Cardinals. You’re not necessarily counting on the converted pitcher to make or break your rotation. Doing so allows you to try and fill a rotation spot in hopes of a long-term solution. What we saw this year with Matthew Liberatore is an example of the layers of development this process takes you through. He was sharp through May, then saw a dip in velocity, hit a wall that he had to overcome, and finished the season with a 3.54 ERA in his final four starts after June, July, and August were turbulent. The entire season was not stellar, but it allowed for growth. It allowed the Cardinals to see what they have for the future and what they can count on to fill a role. I think the Leahy decision could allow for that as well. Leahy has started before and shown the stuff-makeup combination at the majors to give him a chance to earn a bigger role. And again, it’s a chance to earn that next spring. It’s not a guarantee.

Guerrero: Ok, I think that’s where we’ll end today’s chat. Thanks to everyone for your participation and for your continued readership here at STL Today dot com and in the pages of the Post-Dispatch. We still have an entire offseason ahead of us. We will do our best to provide the best coverage possible as the Cardinals retool for 2026 and beyond. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead. Take care! — Daniel Guerrero

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