Cards Central

MLB executives are already believing in JJ Wetherholt, and the Cardinals may not have a choice but to fast-track him. When insiders around baseball say he is the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year, expectations change fast. On today’s Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down why Wetherholt looks like a lock to impact the Cardinals in 2026, how potential Nolan Arenado and Br...

The clock is ticking on the Nolan Arenado situation and the Cardinals are running out of options. With spring training just 5 weeks away, Joe and Brenden break down why this trade MUST happen and what it means if it doesn't. Key Takeaways: - Chaim Bloom confirms Cardinals still actively trying to move Arenado - Comparison to the 2021 Dexter Fowler trade (Cardinals paid 90%+ of salary) - Why Arenad...

On this New Year’s edition of Cards Central 365, Ethan Hannaford and Luke Slabaugh take a deep dive into the St. Louis Cardinals’ evolving 2026 starting rotation and what it reveals about the organization’s rebuild strategy. With no true “ace” in recent seasons, the Cardinals are leaning into youth, upside, and controllable arms as they reshape their pitching staff. The duo breaks down which start...

The Cardinals are not contending in 2026, but for the first time in years, fans actually understand the plan. Two months into the Chaim Bloom era, transparency, decisive trades, and a clear vision have reshaped how St. Louis views its front office. Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down what Bloom has done so far, why the early moves matter, and what still has to happen next for the Cardinals to t...

The Angels just cleared a massive contract, and suddenly a Nolan Arenado trade feels very real. With Anthony Rendon gone and third base wide open in Anaheim, the Cardinals may finally have their clean exit. Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why the Angels are the perfect landing spot for Nolan Arenado, why the Cardinals are prioritizing roster flexibility over prospect return, and how money m...

With a new year bringing renewed hope for the Cardinals, Joe Roderick and Brendan Schaefer zero in on one glaring issue holding St. Louis back: the complete lack of a true middle-of-the-order power bat. The duo points out that Wilson Contreras led the team in home runs last season with just 20 — an alarmingly low number that highlights how far the Cardinals have fallen from their recent playoff ye...

Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down which St. Louis Cardinals most desperately need a fresh start heading into 2026. The conversation centers on Jordan Walker, his stalled development, and why the Cardinals must give him everyday runway regardless of early results. The discussion then pivots to Lars Nootbaar, injuries, declining production, and whether now is the worst possible time to t...

The Brendan Donovan trade talks are dragging, and there’s a reason why. The Seattle Mariners are drawing a hard line on their big league pitching, putting the Cardinals in a tough spot. Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down what’s really happening behind the scenes, which prospects could headline a deal, and whether the Cardinals should hold firm or pivot elsewhere. ⭐️ Become an STL Sport...

The Cardinals traded Willson Contreras, so now what? Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down whether lineup balance actually matters for a Cardinals team clearly focused on the future, not maximizing wins in 2026. Is chasing a right-handed bat smart roster building, or just another way to overpay during a non-contending year? This episode dives into free agency, internal options, and why dev...

In this post-Christmas edition of Card Central 365, Ethan Hannaford and Hunter Mulholland continue Part 2 of their “Most Intriguing St. Louis Cardinals Storylines for 2026” series, diving deep into two major question marks that could shape the future of the franchise. The guys examine whether speedster Victor Scott can take a meaningful offensive leap and fully unlock his elite baserunning ability...

Did the Oakland Athletics just dictate the future of the St. Louis Cardinals payroll? Joe Roderick and Matthew Rocchio break down how Tyler Soderstrom's new contract sets the market for Alec Burleson and why the Cardinals need to consider a $50 million extension immediately. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented b...

Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan used this holiday edition of Card Central 365 to step away from roster talk and dive into the nostalgia of baseball cards, sharing personal stories that tied the hobby closely to Christmas and winter memories. Fagan talked about how he now donates large portions of his card collection to Greg Poole’s Cans charity in Southern Illinois, which distributes baseball cards to...

On the Christmas Day edition of Card Central 365, Joe Roderick is joined by Randy Karriker for a nostalgic and lighthearted holiday conversation centered around one of the most memorable Christmas Eve moments in modern Cardinals history — the surprise free-agent signings of Andy Benes and Ron Gant in 1995. Karriker recounts how, while working at KMOX, he broke the news live on Christmas Eve and th...

In this holiday edition of Card Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaefer dive into the uncertain future of Cardinals standout Brendan Donovan and the broader direction of the organization under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Schaefer explains why, despite personally wishing for a long-term extension for Donovan, he believes the Cardinals are more likely to trade him while...

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox have discussed a trade involving Brendan Donovan, but does this deal make sense after the Willson Contreras move? Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why Chaim Bloom should stop making small deals with his former team and instead focus on a blockbuster package. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportsc...

Cardinals President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom talks with the media after Sunday's trade of Willson Contreras Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, but fans are asking if the return package moves the needle for 2026. We take a deep dive into the new arms headed to St. Louis and where they fit into a crowded, competitive rotation picture. In this episode of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down the acquisition of Hunter Dobbins and his recov...

BREAKING: Willson Contreras is being traded to the Red Sox, per Jeff Passan Joe Roderick, Randy Karraker, and Brenden Schaeffer bring you the latest news as the details of the trade unfolds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ethan Hannaford and Hunter Mulholland bring you Cards Central 365 where they discuss their most intriguing storylines for the 2026 St Louis Cardinals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the St. Louis Cardinals introducing Dustin May to the roster for 2026, the biggest question isn't just about his health, but who actually takes the ball on Opening Day against the Rays. Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why Matthew Liberatore might deserve the nod over the new acquisition and how Chaim Bloom's new front office could construct the starting five. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports C...

The MLB Hot Stove is officially burning and the St. Louis Cardinals are right in the middle of the rumors. With the Baltimore Orioles making aggressive moves for star players, could a specific Cardinals lefty reliever be the next piece of their championship puzzle? Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down the latest buzz surrounding the Redbirds and the rest of the league. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports C...

The St. Louis Cardinals have officially introduced Dustin May, but questions remain about his recovery from a life-threatening esophageal injury. We break down his first comments to the media, his weight-gain goals for Spring Training, and why this "experimental" signing could be the steal of the offseason. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sport...

Brendan Donovan has finally spoken out regarding the swirling trade rumors, and his comments suggest he knows a move is coming. Joe and Grant break down why Chaim Bloom might be forced to create a bidding war now rather than waiting for the deadline. In this episode: * Donovan’s Candid Admission: Hear what Brendan Donovan said at the "Dealin’ the Cards" fundraiser about leaving St. Louis. * The "S...

The rumors surrounding a Brendan Donovan trade are intensifying, with reports indicating that nearly 18 teams have reached out to the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe and Brenden analyze the potential return packages from top contenders like the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants, debating if the Cardinals can land a premium arm like Bryce Miller. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://s...

The St. Louis Cardinals have added former Dodgers phenom Dustin May to their pitching staff, but what does this move mean for the existing rotation? Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer analyze the low-risk, high-reward signing and predict a blockbuster trade involving Brendan Donovan could happen before Christmas. In this episode: * The Dustin May Archetype: Why Chaim Bloom and the front office tar...