Cardinals' Bloom: No Punt on 2026 Season

In his inaugural season, St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom has steered the franchise to a surprising second-place standing in the National League Central. Bloom's tenure has been marked by decisive roster adjustments, including the recent demotion of Victor Scott II and Nolan Gorman, balanced by the promotion of Blaze Jordan following strong performance in Triple-A.

This willingness to adapt signals a strategic approach as the July trade deadline approaches. Despite pre-season expectations of a reset year, the Cardinals are outperforming projections significantly. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic indicated that Bloom is unlikely to trade veterans if the team holds a Wild Card spot, suggesting a commitment to competing in 2026.

As of June 13, 2026, the Cardinals are in a strong position, holding a Wild Card spot and playing winning baseball. This performance suggests a reevaluation of the initial plan to trade veteran players might be warranted. The team's current trajectory indicates a potential playoff run, making it prudent to delay significant player moves until after the season.

If the season were to conclude today, the Cardinals would secure the top National League Wild Card position. Their ability to make difficult decisions, like those impacting Scott and Gorman, demonstrates a commitment to results. This proactive stance challenges the earlier assumption that veteran players would be dealt during the summer, prompting a reassessment of the team's competitive outlook.