As the baseball world pauses between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on a year that could redefine the St. Louis Cardinals’ future. 2025 wasn’t just another season—it was the year the Cardinals’ rebuild began to take shape, for better or worse. From high-risk draft picks to surprising breakouts, here’s a deep dive into the 10 developments that shaped the Cardinals’ trajectory, complete with bold moves, controversial shifts, and a few questions that’ll leave you thinking. But here’s where it gets controversial: not all of these moves were universally praised, and some could still backfire spectacularly. Let’s dive in.
10. The High-Risk, High-Reward Draft Strategy
Liam Doyle and Tanner Franklin, first and second-round picks from the University of Tennessee, marked a dramatic shift in the Cardinals’ drafting philosophy. Gone are the days of prioritizing safe, low-ceiling players. These two bring heat—both topping 100 mph with their fastballs—but also question marks. Franklin’s control issues in college had him walking batters at an alarming rate, while Doyle’s fiery delivery looks like it’s one pitch away from chaos. Is this a genius move or a recipe for disaster? Only time will tell, but their selection signals a bolder, more aggressive approach from the front office.
9. The Bullpen’s Youth Movement
The Cardinals’ bullpen cracked the top 10 in FanGraphs WAR, thanks in large part to Matt Svansen, Riley O’Brien, and Kyle Leahy. While Leahy might shift to the rotation in 2026, O’Brien and Svansen, alongside Andre Granillo and Gordon Graceffo, give the team a solid foundation. But here’s the part most people miss: a strong bullpen isn’t just about winning now—it’s a trade chip for future deals or a weapon for a surprise playoff push. Which path will the Cardinals choose?
8. The Springfield Mafia’s Rise
Springfield’s Texas League championship wasn’t just a minor league triumph—it was a showcase of the Cardinals’ pitching depth. Brycen Mautz, Ixan Henderson, Pete Hansen, and Hancel Rincon all impressed, while Luis Gastelum’s changeup stole the show. On the offensive side, prospects like Joshua Baez and Leonardo Bernal kept the momentum going even after Nathan Church and JJ Wetherholt moved up to Memphis. This group isn’t just knocking on the door—they’re kicking it down.
7. The Trade Deadline Shakeup
The 2025 deadline saw the Cardinals part ways with veterans like Steven Matz, Ryan Helsley, and Willson Contreras, bringing in a wave of prospects and immediate rotation help like Hunter Dobbins and Richard Fitts. But here’s the controversial part: the Cardinals prioritized salary relief in some deals, which padded their prospect haul but also raised questions about their commitment to winning now. Was this a smart long-term play, or did they sell too soon?
6. Matthew Liberatore’s Redemption Arc
Liberatore’s 2025 season drew comparisons to Adam Wainwright’s early career, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. While his numbers are promising, he’s still got a long way to go. Is he the next Wainwright, or just a fleeting comparison? His curveball is elite, but consistency will be key.
5. Ivan Herrera’s Breakout
After years in the minors, Ivan Herrera finally arrived, posting a 137 wRC+ over 452 plate appearances. He’s now the team’s best hitter, but his future is uncertain. Will he be part of the next contending team, or will he be traded in another fire sale? His value has never been higher, but the Cardinals’ direction will determine his fate.
4. Masyn Winn’s All-Star Ascent
Despite a knee injury, Winn followed up his 3.6 WAR rookie season with a 3.5 WAR campaign, solidifying himself as an All-Star-caliber player. At just 23, he’s already one of the Cardinals’ most reliable players. But here’s the question: can he take the next step and become a superstar, or is this his ceiling?
3. Joshua Baez’s Resurrection
A year ago, Joshua Baez looked like a bust, striking out 37% of the time in High-A. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s slashed his K rate, advanced to Double-A, and is on the cusp of Baseball America’s top 100 prospects. Is he the power hitter the Cardinals desperately need, or just a flash in the pan? His trajectory is undeniable, but expectations should be tempered.
2. Rainiel Rodriguez’s Meteoric Rise
At just 18, Rodriguez went from an unknown to a top 100 prospect, posting one of the highest ISOs in A-ball history. His name is now mentioned alongside Giancarlo Stanton and Fernando Tatis Jr. But here’s the controversial take: are we hyping him too soon? While his potential is off the charts, he’s still years away from the majors. Let’s not crown him just yet.
1. JJ Wetherholt’s Arrival
JJ Wetherholt silenced doubters in 2025, overcoming injury concerns and a slow start to establish himself as a top-10 prospect. His power surge in the second half—12 home runs in 48 games—was nothing short of remarkable. But here’s the question: can he sustain this level of play, or was 2025 an anomaly? His future is bright, but the pressure is on.
Final Thoughts
2025 was a transformative year for the Cardinals, with young talent stepping up and the front office taking bold risks. But not all of these moves will pay off, and some could backfire spectacularly. What do you think? Are the Cardinals on the right track, or are they setting themselves up for another rebuild? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
