The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the biggest surprises in MLB this season, outperforming expectations with a 33-25 record as of now. Despite entering the year in what their front office considered a transitional phase, they’re only three games behind the division-leading Cubs in the NL Central. While a World Series title may be a stretch, the way they’re playing keeps a postseason appearance well within reach—even with Nolan Arenado still on the trade block and Paul Goldschmidt no longer on the roster.
The Cardinals let Goldschmidt leave via free agency last offseason. While he had a strong overall tenure in St. Louis, his final season was underwhelming—batting just .245 with 1.3 WAR. Since signing with the New York Yankees, Goldschmidt has experienced a resurgence, possibly thanks to a new hitting approach and mindset. He’s already exceeded his 2024 WAR just two months into the season, currently hitting .338 with an .889 OPS.
While the Cardinals might manage without Goldschmidt’s bat, what they may miss more is his presence in the clubhouse. After a tough Yankees loss to the Dodgers, the 37-year-old showed his veteran leadership by encouraging his teammates and maintaining a positive outlook, saying, “The focus has to be on coming out and playing well [Sunday]… there’s a lot of season left.” His steady influence is something St. Louis valued deeply.
In spring training, the Cardinals acknowledged how hard it would be to replace Goldschmidt’s leadership. They mentioned Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan as potential new leaders. “That’s an easy one: Donnie,” Alec Burleson said at the time, citing Donovan’s leadership qualities and his support for younger teammates.
However, both Arenado and Donovan could be on the trade block if the Cardinals’ success falters. Arenado already declined a trade to Houston this past offseason, but he may be moved come July. Donovan is less likely to be dealt, but the rapid rise of JJ Wetherholt in Double-A could eventually make him expendable.
Focusing on developing young talent is a smart strategy for the Cardinals, especially during a retooling phase. Still, it’s crucial they surround those young players with experienced veterans who can mentor and guide them. That balance will be key to sustaining long-term success.