With just over three weeks until the MLB trade deadline, teams across the league are analyzing their rosters and evaluating which players to keep or move. While some clubs are preparing to make a run at the postseason, others are looking to the future by rebuilding their farm systems.
As for the St. Louis Cardinals, their direction remains uncertain. Tensions appear to be rising between outgoing president John Mozeliak and incoming executive Chaim Bloom. Meanwhile, manager Oli Marmol is increasing the pressure on one of the team’s most likely trade chips.
Erick Fedde has been struggling on the mound lately. His most recent outing was rough—he lasted only 1.1 innings, giving up two hits, four walks, and three earned runs. Over his last three appearances (a total of 10 innings), he has surrendered 17 runs. Through 18 starts this season, he holds a 4.29 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP.
Manager Oli Marmol, known for his direct approach with players—sometimes to the frustration of fans and players alike—isn’t hesitating to challenge him. In this case, it seems warranted, as Marmol looks to spark improvement.
“We’ll use tomorrow’s off day to take a step back and evaluate what the next steps should be,” Marmol told reporters. “(Fedde) needs to find an answer to what’s happening… Staying on this current path doesn’t seem helpful right now.”
Oli Marmol plans to ‘figure out’ what happens next for struggling Erick Fedde
Exactly how St. Louis can turn things around remains uncertain. Fedde emerged as a fan favorite last season after reviving his career in the KBO and becoming a rare bright spot on a dismal Chicago White Sox roster. Following a deadline trade to the Cardinals, he continued to perform well, even as the team as a whole struggled.
Now in the final year of his deal and with limited trade value, the 32-year-old Fedde clearly needs to make some adjustments. Whether it’s a new role, tweaks to his mechanics, or changes to his preparation, something has to give. His entire approach must be examined—and likely overhauled.
That seems to be the general approach for now—but the bigger question is how much longer Erick Fedde will remain in a Cardinals uniform. The upcoming All-Star break offers a natural opportunity for him to regroup, but with St. Louis teetering between contender and pretender in a tightly contested division, his future is far from certain.
Dealing Fedde for a modest return would align with a retooling strategy, something that fits well with Chaim Bloom’s front-office philosophy. On the other hand, if John Mozeliak decides the team is still pushing to compete and Fedde isn’t part of that equation, he could also be moved purely for performance reasons.
Despite the criticism Oli Marmol has faced in the past, it’s clear he’s committed to his players and invested in resolving both clubhouse and on-field issues. Still, when it comes to Fedde, Marmol’s efforts may be out of his hands if Mozeliak, Bloom, and the front office find a trade partner before the July 31 deadline.