The St. Louis Cardinals entered the 2025 season with lowered outside expectations but a clear internal vision. After parting ways with longtime star Paul Goldschmidt and exploring trade options for third baseman Nolan Arenado, many thought the team was preparing to sell. Instead, the Cardinals are in the thick of the playoff race and are not changing course.
Cardinals President John Mozeliak Says Team Will Continue Relying on Young Players
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak clarified the team’s approach heading into the trade deadline. Speaking with MLB Network radio, he said that the team may look to add bench depth, but is generally committed to their youth.
“The plan was to give these young players a chance to play,” Mozeliak said.
That plan is working. The Cardinals are second in the NL Central and just one game back in the Wild Card chase. While big names like Arenado, Jordan Walker, and Nolan Gorman have struggled, several others keep the team afloat and thriving.
Shortstop Masyn Winn has been one of the team’s most valuable players. After a breakout season in 2024, the 22-year-old has built on that momentum. He owns a .767 OPS and is among the league leaders in defensive metrics.
Who’s better defensively right now for the left side of the St. Louis Cardinals defense:
Masyn Winn or Nolan Arenado? pic.twitter.com/zsPHHXjcWX
— Who’s Better Baseball (@WhosBetterBB) May 10, 2024
Winn is eight outs above average at shortstop and already looks like a future Gold Glove winner. He’s showing improved plate discipline and sneaky pop at the plate, positioning himself as a franchise cornerstone.
Then there’s Ivan Herrera, the 25-year-old catcher with exciting power potential. He’s currently hitting .316 with a .544 slugging percentage. He’s especially punishing left-handed pitching with a 1.177 OPS against southpaws.
His offensive surge is one reason the Cardinals moved Willson Contreras to first base. Herrera has stepped in and stepped up, both at the plate and in the clubhouse.
#STLCards red-hot DH Ivan Herrera extends his hitting streak to nine games with this laser down the left field line. The ball left Herrera’s bat at 100.1 mph. pic.twitter.com/AdzedVtM5A
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) May 20, 2025
Veteran second baseman Brendan Donovan may not be part of the youth movement, but he’s been among the team’s most productive hitters. He’s batting .317—good for top-10 in MLB—and has mashed fastballs to a .320 average after hitting .270 against them last year.
Donovan is a strong All-Star candidate and stabilizing force in the Cardinals’ lineup.
Brendan Donovan smokes one for the LEAD! pic.twitter.com/JJyYSIcC6m
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 29, 2025
Despite being in the playoff mix, Mozeliak doesn’t appear ready to abandon the plan. He hinted that the Cardinals could add depth pieces, but don’t expect a blockbuster deal. The front office is letting the kids play—and letting their performance decide the team’s fate.
Whether or not the Cardinals can sustain this pace without a splashy addition remains to be seen. But for now, it’s clear they trust their young core—and it’s starting to pay off.