Oli Marmol cannot get out of this situation easily. Marmol’s patience has been a major factor in the St. Louis Cardinals’ overachievement this season. Despite several errors that may call for such punishment, he has avoided the temptation to criticize players in front of the media. Marmol has maintained composure, which he hasn’t done before, and it has obviously paid off. However, even if the Cardinals make it to the postseason this October, Marmol should be anxious about an impending regime shift.
The former may experience the same outcome, albeit in a different situation, as Marmol was recruited following Mike Shildt’s successful postseason run with the Cardinals. It’s difficult to dispute that Marmol has performed admirably thus far this season, even if I have written extensively about his many shortcomings. It was anticipated that St. Louis would regress. This past winter, their front office actively promoted this, but they went above and above.
Cardinals front office could fire Oli Marmol this offseason
However, the Cardinals’ future course is as uncertain as their preparations for the trade deadline. The impasse between Chaim Bloom and John Mozeliak is to blame for this. Although there is no ill will between the two men, Mozeliak is unlikely to make any decisions that Bloom does not approve of or that will affect the Cardinals after this season. That doesn’t give you much leeway.
Thus, the Cardinals have the option to trade for players like Ryan Helsley and Nolan Arenado. However, Bloom will want to decide it for himself, therefore Brendan Donovan is off limits. Donovan was the only player in the National League with two hits and was selected to the Cardinals’ All-Star Game. That should have some significance.
Usually, executives approach each destination differently. They ultimately report to ownership, and the DeWitt family has made no secret of their intention to reduce salary in the upcoming years. The ownership does not think the Cards are a real contender as they stand right now, and they are not mistaken, despite the team’s performance this season. Their remedy, nevertheless, is annoying.
Oli Marmol doesn’t fit the Cardinals long-term vision
Herein lies the role of Marmol. Do the Cardinals think he’s the best person to guide a youthful squad in the future? Although Marmol has performed better than expected in 2025, the Cardinals still have players like Arenado and Miles Mikolas who lead the locker room. If those seasoned leaders are transferred somewhere, would Marmol be able to maintain the same pleasant clubhouse atmosphere? Although it is unjust to hold Marmol to this standard, it could become the norm in the future.
In Boston, Bloom is renowned for taking bold, albeit divisive, actions that were prompted by ownership. He must strike the correct balance if he is to be successful in St. Louis. Which side Marmol leans toward is uncertain.