Cards Central

MLB free agency is still stuck in neutral, and the Cardinals are right in the middle of the chaos. Joe Roderick and Stefan Caray break down why the market is dragging, how a potential 2027 lockout could be looming over negotiations, and what it means for the Cardinals’ 2026 roster plan. Cardinals 2026 is shaping up like a prove-it season, with one-year contracts, trade-deadline leverage, and a pivot toward long-term flexibility. The guys dive into Brendan Donovan trade rumors, the Nico Hoerner comparison market, why reliever value spikes at the deadline (JoJo Romero), and which remaining free agents could actually help St. Louis, especially a right-handed outfield bat. Event shoutout: Join us Thursday, January 22 from 6–8 p.m. at The Key STL Burger Bar and Boogie (3225 Olive) for a live broadcast with Cam Janssen and Jim Hayes, plus special guest Matt Adams. Great food, great prizes, and your shot at winning Opening Day Cardinals tickets and autographed merch. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nolan Arenado trade didn’t just reshape the Cardinals, it detonated the NL West. Now the Giants, Padres, and Cubs are scrambling, and Brendan Donovan may be the next domino to fall. On Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why the Cardinals suddenly hold real leverage, how Jeff Passan’s report changes everything, and why Donovan’s versatility makes him one of the most valuable infield trade chips on the market. BBWAA Dinner: https://2026stlbbwaadinner.rsvpify.com/ ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nolan Arenado is officially gone, and Cardinals fans finally got the trade they’ve been waiting on for two offseasons. In this Cards Central Instant Reaction, Joe Roderick, Stefan Caray, and Mike Claiborne break down the blockbuster move sending Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks, what the Cardinals got back, and what this signals about Chaim Bloom’s rebuild plan in St. Louis. The crew reacts in real time to the full trade details, including the money involved, the return of RHP Jack Martinez, and the ripple effects across the roster. What happens now at third base, how this impacts Nolan Gorman, Thomas Saggese, José Fermín, and the future timeline with J.J. Wetherholt, plus whether Brendan Donovan trade talks are about to heat up even more. They also discuss the Diamondbacks’ angle, why Arizona would make this move, and what “vintage Arenado” could look like in the NL West. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cardinals added veteran reliever Ryne Stanek on a one-year deal, and it might be the clearest sign yet the 2026 bullpen is starting to lock into place. But if Stanek is closing games, something has gone very wrong. On Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down what Stanek brings, how he fits with JoJo Romero, Riley O’Brien, Matt Svanson and more, and why this move screams “cheap upside, possible trade chip.” ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Liberatore flat-out said he wants the Opening Day start, and the Cardinals’ new-look rotation might actually let him take it. Brenden Schaeffer and Ryan Fagan break down why this is the perfect “prove it” spring, plus who makes the first-weekend starting five. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cardinals are reportedly closing in on a deal with veteran reliever Ryane Stanek, and Card Central 365 breaks down what it could mean for a franchise clearly leaning into a low-risk, high-reward approach to roster building Multiple reports indicate St. Louis is targeting Stanek as a potential bounce-back bullpen arm who could provide strikeout upside, veteran leadership, and possibly become a valuable trade chip at the deadline if the Cardinals are not in contention. Stanek, a St. Louis native and former first-round pick, had his best seasons with Houston in 2021–22 but struggled in 2024 between Seattle and New York. Despite the recent downturn, his elite fastball velocity, strikeout potential, and experience in multiple bullpen roles make him an intriguing project for the Cardinals’ pitching development group. The show discusses how his presence could stabilize a younger bullpen, take pressure off manager Oliver Marmol, and give the Cardinals flexibility—either as a contributor in a competitive season or as a deadline flip for future assets. The panel also dives into Stanek’s pitch mix, fastball predictability issues, and how St. Louis may attempt to “rebuild” his effectiveness in a pitching-lab environment. With the Cardinals continuing to add depth and prioritize strikeout arms, Stanek becomes a classic “prove-it” signing that fits the club’s transitional strategy heading into 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Brendan Donovan trade chatter just got louder, and this time it’s because one major domino didn’t fall. With Ketel Marte staying in Arizona, the Cardinals might suddenly be holding more leverage than expected. Brenden Schaeffer and Ryan Fagan break down how the infield market is shifting, why Donovan’s versatility matters so much, and whether the Cardinals should stay patient or strike while teams get desperate. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cardinals avoided arbitration with all seven eligible players, and that matters more than you think. In Chaim Bloom’s first run at arbitration in St. Louis, the front office took a noticeably different approach. Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down every deal, what it means for payroll clarity, and how this impacts potential trades involving Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and others. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cardinals made a quiet roster move, but the real conversation is about what comes next. Does adding Justin Bruihl signal anything bigger, or is this simply depth for a long season ahead? Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down the Cardinals’ latest bullpen addition, debate the timing of a potential JoJo Romero trade, and react to the Cubs landing Edward Cabrera in a division-shifting deal. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLB executives are already believing in JJ Wetherholt, and the Cardinals may not have a choice but to fast-track him. When insiders around baseball say he is the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year, expectations change fast. On today’s Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down why Wetherholt looks like a lock to impact the Cardinals in 2026, how potential Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan trades factor in, and whether service time manipulation still makes sense. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The clock is ticking on the Nolan Arenado situation and the Cardinals are running out of options. With spring training just 5 weeks away, Joe and Brenden break down why this trade MUST happen and what it means if it doesn't. Key Takeaways: - Chaim Bloom confirms Cardinals still actively trying to move Arenado - Comparison to the 2021 Dexter Fowler trade (Cardinals paid 90%+ of salary) - Why Arenado showing up to spring training would be "beyond awkward" - The Angels could be a potential landing spot for the SoCal native ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this New Year’s edition of Cards Central 365, Ethan Hannaford and Luke Slabaugh take a deep dive into the St. Louis Cardinals’ evolving 2026 starting rotation and what it reveals about the organization’s rebuild strategy. With no true “ace” in recent seasons, the Cardinals are leaning into youth, upside, and controllable arms as they reshape their pitching staff. The duo breaks down which starters appear locked in—like Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, and Michael McGreevy—while debating the roles and ceilings of intriguing options such as Kyle Leahy, Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitz, Andre Pallante, and Quinn Mathews. It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about development, opportunity, and the arms that could define the Cardinals’ next competitive core. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cardinals are not contending in 2026, but for the first time in years, fans actually understand the plan. Two months into the Chaim Bloom era, transparency, decisive trades, and a clear vision have reshaped how St. Louis views its front office. Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down what Bloom has done so far, why the early moves matter, and what still has to happen next for the Cardinals to truly reset. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Angels just cleared a massive contract, and suddenly a Nolan Arenado trade feels very real. With Anthony Rendon gone and third base wide open in Anaheim, the Cardinals may finally have their clean exit. Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why the Angels are the perfect landing spot for Nolan Arenado, why the Cardinals are prioritizing roster flexibility over prospect return, and how money matters more than talent in this deal. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 🔥 Get 10% off your first month at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a new year bringing renewed hope for the Cardinals, Joe Roderick and Brendan Schaefer zero in on one glaring issue holding St. Louis back: the complete lack of a true middle-of-the-order power bat. The duo points out that Wilson Contreras led the team in home runs last season with just 20 — an alarmingly low number that highlights how far the Cardinals have fallen from their recent playoff years, when 30-plus homer seasons from Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and others were the norm They break down how St. Louis has steadily drifted away from being a dangerous power lineup, noting that the last time the Cardinals made the playoffs (2022), they also had multiple hitters topping 30 homers. Since then, the team has relied on scattered, modest power totals rather than a true game-changing slugger. Joe and Brendan discuss whether Nolan Gorman, Iván Herrera, or even Alec Burleson could realistically become that 30-home-run threat, while expressing skepticism about projection systems that underestimate Herrera’s power potential despite his loud contact and limited playing time so far The conversation also explores whether the Cardinals should seek an external solution — a “Jed Gyorko-type” trade or bargain free agent who could unexpectedly become a home run machine — or fully commit to evaluating their young core in 2026, even if it means living with growing pains. Ultimately, the show frames the Cardinals’ power drought as more than a stat quirk — it’s a defining weakness that will continue to limit the team’s ceiling until St. Louis finds (or develops) a legitimate middle-of-the-order thumper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down which St. Louis Cardinals most desperately need a fresh start heading into 2026. The conversation centers on Jordan Walker, his stalled development, and why the Cardinals must give him everyday runway regardless of early results. The discussion then pivots to Lars Nootbaar, injuries, declining production, and whether now is the worst possible time to trade him. They also examine Andre Pallante and the shrinking margin for error in the Cardinals’ pitching plans as the organization leans into a true evaluation year. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Brendan Donovan trade talks are dragging, and there’s a reason why. The Seattle Mariners are drawing a hard line on their big league pitching, putting the Cardinals in a tough spot. Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down what’s really happening behind the scenes, which prospects could headline a deal, and whether the Cardinals should hold firm or pivot elsewhere. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cardinals traded Willson Contreras, so now what? Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down whether lineup balance actually matters for a Cardinals team clearly focused on the future, not maximizing wins in 2026. Is chasing a right-handed bat smart roster building, or just another way to overpay during a non-contending year? This episode dives into free agency, internal options, and why development may matter more than perfect lineup symmetry. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this post-Christmas edition of Card Central 365, Ethan Hannaford and Hunter Mulholland continue Part 2 of their “Most Intriguing St. Louis Cardinals Storylines for 2026” series, diving deep into two major question marks that could shape the future of the franchise. The guys examine whether speedster Victor Scott can take a meaningful offensive leap and fully unlock his elite baserunning ability, and they break down Matthew Liberatore’s roller-coaster 2025 season — including what caused his mid-season struggles and what the Cardinals are doing to prepare him for a heavier workload moving forward. From roster development and pitching stamina to lineup construction and run creation, this episode is packed with thoughtful analysis on the Cardinals’ young core and what to watch as 2026 approaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did the Oakland Athletics just dictate the future of the St. Louis Cardinals payroll? Joe Roderick and Matthew Rocchio break down how Tyler Soderstrom's new contract sets the market for Alec Burleson and why the Cardinals need to consider a $50 million extension immediately. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices