The 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the St. Louis Cardinals, with the organization taking a different approach to its future. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Cardinals are embracing a shift toward developing younger talent, a strategy they’ve flirted with in the past but have often backed away from with questionable trade decisions.
This time, however, the 2025 season is seen as an opportunity for the team’s youth to prove themselves, with more opportunities to play and showcase their abilities. John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ outgoing president of baseball operations, emphasized that while the team will still seek ways to improve, the focus will be on giving younger players more consistent playing time. This shift is partly motivated by past trade mistakes, such as dealing away players like Randy Arozarena, Zac Gallen, and Sandy Alcantara, who went on to thrive elsewhere. The Cardinals are determined not to repeat those errors.
The team has several young players they are building around, including Andre Pallante, Masyn Winn, Ivan Herrera, Pedro Pages, Nolan Gorman, and Brendan Donovan. Additionally, there are others, like Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson, and Lars Nootbaar, who could benefit from more prominent roles this season.
Walker, who has already played parts of two seasons with the Cardinals, has struggled to put his potential on full display. Despite his impressive hitting pedigree, he has battled defensively, particularly in right field, after being drafted as a third baseman and occasional first baseman. In 2024, Walker posted a disappointing .201/.253/.266 slash line, with five home runs and 20 RBIs. The hope is that with more regular playing time, he can find his rhythm and tap into his considerable talent.
Burleson, one of the club’s stronger hitters in 2024, played multiple positions and also served as the designated hitter. With Willson Contreras likely taking over at first base, Burleson will probably continue in a backup or DH role, but the challenge will be for him to establish consistency at the plate and prove he can be a steady contributor. In 2024, he hit .269/.314/.420 with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs.
Nootbaar, who missed time with injuries in 2024, is another key player to watch. Capable of playing all three outfield spots, Nootbaar is also known for his bat and speed. He posted a .244/.342/.417 line with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs, but staying healthy and earning a regular outfield role will be crucial in 2025. Nootbaar remains a fan favorite in St. Louis, with enthusiastic cheers of “NOOT” greeting him whenever he makes a play or gets a hit.
While some fans are wary of another disappointing season, the team’s coaching changes and an increased focus on player development could lead to positive outcomes. If the young players like Gorman, Winn, Donovan, and others rise to the occasion, the 2025 season could offer a refreshing and exciting summer for Cardinals fans.
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