If you’re a fan of any sport, you have definitely thought at some point: “What would I do if I was in charge?” After the 2025 St. Louis Cardinals season, that thought has come to mind more than once. Not making the playoffs is one thing, but falling short of .500 is a new low for the Cardinals. The Cardinal Way is falling apart, but with a new General Manager in charge, there is hope to bring winning baseball back to Busch Stadium.

1. Reset the Rotation

Pitching wins ballgames. When you don’t have a dependable rotation, you’re not going to win. While stars like Sonny Gray have proven consistency, the Cardinals lack a true ace, and one could argue that they do not have a solid 2, 3, 4, or 5. The Redbirds haven’t had a true ace since Jack Flaherty’s 2019 campaign. My first move to solve this issue? Sign an experienced frontline starter—someone such as Dylan Cease or Framber Valdez. While there are multiple free-agent SPs on the market, these two guys stand out in terms of success and consistency. They know what it’s like come October and pitch under pressure. Besides that, it would be smart to bring up some young promising talent such as Tink Hence or Gordon Graceffo. These two guys have been stellar in the minors, and I believe it is time to get them singing major league time. It’s time to stop with the one-year, 36-year-old rentals and move on to some long-term talent. Stability stems from innings.

2. Trust the “Yungry”

There were definitely some young standouts in the 2025 season. I think it’s important when looking at young players to remember major league time is essential to development. Establishing and growing the young core is what’s going to help the Cardinals’ middle of the lineup stay solid. Alec Burleson proved himself this year, hitting .290 with 18 HR and 69 RBI in 139 games. Brendan Donovan slashed .287 with 10 HR and 50 RBI in 118 games, showing his versatility and consistency. Injuries aside, Ivan Herrera also proved himself a critical part of this team’s offense. With some starting pitching support, the offense will take this team far in 2026.

3. Keeping This Core, But Add a Bat

Reality check (2025):

– Willson Contreras hit 20 HR and drove in 80 in 135 games (.257 average). Solid pop.

– Offensively, the team slashed .245/.314/.379 as a whole—ranked 19th in hits and 18th in batting average.

My move:

– Retain Contreras (he brings power and leadership) but surround him with one additional left-handed power bat to balance the lineup and protect him.

– Focus on hitters with 25+ home run potential, OBP above .330, and defensive flexibility.

– Don’t overspend on veterans whose best years are behind them; target value and fit.

With the core mentioned in the section above, as well as Wilson Contreras, adding a middle-of-the-lineup/five hitter would be extremely impactful for this team offensively. A common theme last season was a lack of production from the 5–8 batters. Adding one solid power bat would complete this lineup.

4. Blend Past With Future

Putting all of this together, the revival of the Cardinal Way is inevitable, but moves are essential to get there. Promoting fundamentals with the traditional Cardinals “small-ball” will help set the core values for this team. Incorporating youth into these ideals will keep the tradition while modernizing the team. Use analytics—but don’t let them replace grit. Blend old-school values with modern tools.

Summary: My Front-Office Action Plan

– Acquire an ace starter with proven success.

– Start the youth core now: Burleson, Winn, Donovan.

– Keep Contreras and add a bat to protect him.

– Rebuild the culture: fundamentals, identity, consistent development.

I won’t promise a World Series next season, but if I were GM, I would promise a reliable plan: a plan grounded in 2025 stats, equipped for improvement, and built for sustainable success in St. Louis.