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Cards Central
Cards Central
Author: STL Sports Central
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Cards Central from STL Sports Central is the home for all of the latest St. Louis Cardinals content.
Featuring Cards Central 365, our daily Cardinals show hosted by Joe Roderick along with Cardinals Radio Network Broadcaster Mike Claiborne, Bob Ramsey, Brenden Schaeffer, Ryan Fagan.
STL Sports Central will also have a post-game show for each Cardinals game right here on the Cards Central podcast channel.
218 Episodes
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On this episode of Cards Central 365, hosts Joe Roderick and Matthew Rocchio break down the latest St. Louis Cardinals trade rumors heating up the hot stove. The conversation starts with a viral Instagram story showing Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino working out with Cardinals utility star Brendan Donovan, sparking speculation about a potential move to Kansas City.
The guys discuss what a realistic return for Donovan would look like, focusing on the need for young, controllable pitching. They analyze a potential trade target in Royals prospect Noah Cameron and debate if the Cardinals would pull the trigger on a deal that helps the rebuild. Plus, they react to Katie Woo's report that the front office needs to be "blown away" to trade Donovan or Alec Burleson.
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Luke Slabaugh and Hunter Mulholland bring you Cards Central 365 on a Sunday as they look at who some options could be for the Cardinals in 2026 to take the ball in the 9th inning.
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Could Nolan Arenado be the missing piece for the Detroit Tigers? On this episode of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why a trade sending the Cardinals' third baseman to Detroit makes sense for both sides.
With Tarik Skubal dominating on the mound, the Tigers are looking to contend now. Ryan and Joe discuss how Arenado's elite defense would support the Tigers' pitching staff and how his bat fits into a platoon role, specifically mashing against left-handed pitching.
The guys also analyze what Chaim Bloom could get in return. Would the Cardinals target a utility player like St. Louis native Matt Vierling, or buy low on young talents like Colt Keith or Jace Jung?
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Could Nolan Arenado be heading home to Southern California? On this episode of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan analyze whether the Los Angeles Angels are the most logical trade partner for the Cardinals' star third baseman.
With rumors swirling about an Anthony Rendon buyout and retirement, the Angels are desperate for legitimacy and a reliable corner infielder. Ryan and Joe discuss why Arenado might waive his no-trade clause for the Halos and how he fits into a lineup with Mike Trout.
Plus, following the (hypothetical) trade of Sonny Gray, the guys break down what Chaim Bloom is looking for in return. Can the Angels' thin farm system provide enough value, or is this deal purely about salary relief?
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Could Nolan Arenado be headed to the Bronx? On this episode of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down the potential of a blockbuster trade sending the Cardinals' star third baseman to the New York Yankees.
The guys discuss whether the Yankees view Arenado as a necessary upgrade over their current infield options and if the Cardinals are willing to eat significant salary to facilitate a deal. They also compare Arenado’s defensive value to other third basemen around the league and analyze if a "bad contract swap" makes sense for St. Louis.
Plus, we look at Chaim Bloom’s potential strategy for maximizing return on veteran players and whether the Cardinals can get young, controllable talent in return.
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On this edition of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer explore a major trade scenario sending Nolan Arenado to the Philadelphia Phillies. With the St. Louis Cardinals looking to reset their payroll and roster in 2025, could Alec Bohm be the potential return piece?
The guys analyze the current situation with Alec Bohm in Philadelphia and whether the Phillies are ready to move on from their third baseman. They discuss the financial implications of the deal, debating if the Cardinals should take on Nick Castellanos’s contract to facilitate the move. Joe and Brenden also break down a larger mock trade that could include Nolan Gorman or Lars Nootbaar heading to Philly to replace Kyle Schwarber's production.
Is this the right move for a rebuilding Cardinals team?
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Joe Roderick is joined by Brenden Schaefer LIVE as we react instantly to the breaking news that the Cardinals have TRADED starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Red Sox for an (so far) unnamed package....
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Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer explore a fascinating trade scenario for the upcoming MLB offseason: sending St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Boston Red Sox. With former Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom now influential in the Cardinals' front office, the hosts discuss why a deal between these two teams makes perfect sense.
In this episode, the guys break down why Boston needs a third baseman and how Arenado’s pull-side power would play at Fenway Park. They also analyze the financials: discussing how much of the contract St. Louis would need to eat and what kind of prospect return Chaim Bloom could target from his former organization.
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Join Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer on this episode of Cards Central 365 as they dive into the latest St. Louis Cardinals trade rumors.
A recent report linked Sonny Gray to the New York Mets in a potential swap for pitcher Kodai Senga. Brenden breaks down his recent article on STL Sports Central and explains why this trade scenario is highly unlikely.
The guys discuss Sonny Gray’s contract situation, including his backloaded deal and full no-trade clause. They analyze why Gray’s history with the New York media makes a return to the Big Apple doubtful.
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On this episode of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer react to the St. Louis Cardinals' recent roster moves following the non-tender deadline. The team has reduced their 40-man roster to 37 players by declining 2026 contracts for left-handed pitcher John King, catcher Yohel Pozo, and pitchers John King Sem Robberse.
The guys debate the decision to move on from John King. Brenden argues that King's projected $2.1 million arbitration salary was too high for his production, while Joe believes the Cardinals need reliable innings eaters for the upcoming season.
The conversation shifts to the catching situation. With Yohel Pozo out, the focus turns to the dynamic between Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés. Joe argues that holding onto Pagés might be a missed opportunity to trade for value, whereas Brenden sees Pagés as essential insurance given Herrera's injury history and the developmental timeline of prospects like Jimmy Crooks and Leonardo Bernal.
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Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer dive into the latest St. Louis Cardinals trade rumors heating up the MLB Hot Stove. Following comments by MLB insider Jon Morosi, it appears Brendan Donovan is drawing significant interest from contenders like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, and Phillies.
In this episode of Cards Central 365, the guys debate the toughest decision facing Chaim Bloom and the front office: Should the priority be trading Brendan Donovan for a massive prospect haul, or finding a suitor for Nolan Arenado to clear salary cap space?
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The St. Louis Cardinals have named JJ Wetherholt their Minor League Player of the Year, but is he ready for the big leagues in 2026?
Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer discuss the future of the Cardinals' top prospect and whether he should crack the Opening Day lineup.
In this episode, the guys break down comments from Wetherholt and Pitcher of the Year Brycen Mautz. They analyze the risks and rewards of promoting top draft picks early, citing examples like Nick Kurtz and Jac Caglianone.
Plus, they debate how Chaim Bloom should handle the infield logjam involving Thomas Saggese, Nolan Gorman, and potentially Nolan Arenado to make room for the future.
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Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down the St. Louis Cardinals recent moves to finalize their 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft deadline.
The guys discuss the decision to protect top prospects like Leonardo Bernal, Cooper Hjerpe, and Brycen Mautz, while analyzing the risk of exposing newly acquired infielder Blaze Jordan.
They also dive into the surprising decision to cut flamethrower Jorge Alcala and what it means for the bullpen depth. Plus, with five catchers now on the roster—including Ivan Herrera, Jimmy Crooks, and Pedro Pagés—is a trade on the horizon?
Finally, we react to the news of JJ Wetherholt and Brycen Mautz being named the organization’s Players of the Year.
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Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer are live on Cards Central 365 to break down the St. Louis Cardinals looming 40-man roster deadline. With the Rule 5 Draft approaching, the front office faces tough decisions on which top prospects to protect.
Will names like Leonardo Bernal, Cooper Hjerpe, and Brycen Mautz secure a spot?
The guys analyze the current roster math and debate which "bubble" players might be cut or exposed to waivers. From the crowded catcher room featuring Ivan Herrera, Pedro Pagés, and Yohel Pozo, to the future of pitchers like Nick Raquet and Jorge Alcalá, no spot is guaranteed.
Plus, a look ahead at top prospect JJ Wetherholt’s path to the majors in 2026
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have quietly emerged as a serious suitor for Brendan Donovan, and the fit is better than anyone expected. Joe Roderick and Grant Salsman break down why Pittsburgh is motivated, how Paul Skenes factors into the Pirates timeline, which prospects could headline a deal, and whether the Cardinals would actually trade a key piece inside the NL Central.
We also look at the risks of an interdivision move, how St. Louis could leverage Pittsburgh’s urgency, and what kind of return would justify dealing Donovan to a rival.
Cards Central 365 is presented by DraftKings. The Crown is yours.
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Luke Slabaugh and Ethan Hannaford bring you Cards Central 365
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Randy Karraker and Joe Roderick fire up the hot stove to break down what the general managers meetings in Las Vegas really mean for the St. Louis Cardinals.
They dive into Brendan Donovan’s booming trade market after Derrick Goold’s reporting, which contenders like the Dodgers, Guardians and Pirates make sense, and what kind of starting pitching Chaim Bloom and Rob Cerfolio should demand in return.
The guys also dig into the Cardinals catching logjam with Pedro Pagés, Iván Herrera, Jimmy Crooks, Yohel Pozo, Leonardo Bernal and Rainiel Rodriguez, and how that could be used to find real bullpen help.
Later they hit on Sonny Gray’s no trade situation and possible fits with teams like the Giants, Braves and Angels, plus where Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras could land if the Cardinals fully commit to a reset.
If you care about Cardinals trade rumors, Brendan Donovan’s value, Sonny Gray’s future, Nolan Arenado’s next team and how Chaim Bloom plans to rebuild the rotation and bullpen, this is your kind of hot stove show.
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Brendan Donovan has become one of the hottest names at the GM Meetings, with Derrick Goold reporting that if teams are doing their jobs, roughly twenty two clubs should be checking in on the Cardinals super utility man.
The Yankees and Dodgers have liked him before, and now the Royals and Guardians are among the teams linked to Donovan as Chaim Bloom listens on almost everyone and looks to reshape this roster. 
In this episode of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer debate whether the Cardinals should trade Brendan Donovan at all, or put an extension in front of him and make him a core piece for the next winning Cardinals team.
They dig into how he fits in a future lineup with Masyn Winn and Victor Scott II, why his versatility and contact profile age well, and what message it sends if St. Louis moves on from a “Cardinal for life” type player.
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Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer map out the most likely 2026 St. Louis Cardinals rotation using in-house arms, then ask the big question: Does Sonny Gray get traded before Opening Day, or does he anchor the staff all year?
They put Michael McGreevy in marker, Matthew Liberatore in pen, debate Andre Pallante’s role and tender decision, and size up Kyle Leahy and Quinn Mathews as spring options. They also discuss why at least one outside starter still feels inevitable, plus how a potential Lars Nootbaar or Brendan Donovan trade could return an MLB-ready arm.
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Rumors are swirling around the St. Louis Cardinals as Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Texas Rangers have shown interest in outfielder Lars Nootbaar.
Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer discuss what that means for the Cardinals’ offseason, how Nootbaar’s injury could impact his trade value, and which teams might actually make sense as trade partners.
Could Skip Schumaker’s connection to Nootbaar help fuel a deal? And would the Angels or another American League team jump into the mix?
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