The St. Louis Cardinals of 2025 will look very different from the Redbirds of the future. Chaim Bloom is already in the building and is expected to seize full charge of the reins in 2026, leaving John Mozeliak as a lame duck. Oli Marmol may be in a similar situation with his job security as manager. And we already know that the roster will be heavily rotated.
There is a lot to solve, or at least attempt to fix, with the Cardinals in the coming years. Bloom ostensibly destroyed the Red Sox during his stay in Boston, but they appear to be on the verge of reaping the rewards. However, it will be some time before that becomes a reality. Meanwhile, it raises the question of who will lead this club on the pitch if Marmol is indeed replaced.
Cardinals supporters have been hoping for the return of franchise legends like Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols, who may usher in a new era of baseball in St. Louis.
While nothing is definite, Pujols’ most recent venture, and, more importantly, his subsequent statements, make that appear more likely than ever for the Cards’ future.
Albert Pujols wins LIDOM title and gives Cardinals fans hope of return as manager
This winter, Pujols has managed the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM). And he won the Copa Banreservas trophy this week for the side he supported as a child and now manages. As he reflected on his accomplishment, his words, according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, appeared to indicate that he is ready for further management possibilities.
“I feel that I can offer so much to players and to teams,” says Pujols. “It’s about growing and helping. This is not about me. It is about helping people and having a strong desire to do so. I have a deep love and passion for the game. This was my job; it was my life. That is what motivates me to do it. If the opportunity arises, why not?
The Cardinals seem to be the most logical choice for that. Not only do Marmol’s days appear to be numbered (and some may say that it’s a miracle he still works in St. Louis), but Pujols’ remark about helping others grow appears to be spot on regarding the state of this team’s future. If the Cards are going to embark on a youth movement, how can a franchise legend and future Hall of Famer who is eager to develop players not be a top candidate?
There is still a long time between now and when Pujols’ name will appear in a Cardinals management search. If you’re a fan of this franchise, the 45-year-old gets you thinking about what good things could still happen based on how he accomplished and his current opinions after the winter in LIDOM.
