After selling at the MLB Trade Deadline for the second time in three years—something they hadn’t done in the previous 30—the St. Louis Cardinals could’ve easily shifted their focus to player development for the remainder of the 2025 season. But their recent performance in Los Angeles shows they’re not ready to give up on winning just yet.
On Monday night at Dodger Stadium, veteran pitcher Sonny Gray showcased his sharp sweeper pitch, making even top-tier hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman look off balance. Meanwhile, Yohel Pozo—who was homeless in 2020—came off the bench to deliver his sixth pinch-hit of the year and drive in the winning run. Local players Lars Nootbaar and JoJo Romero also shined, with Nootbaar making a diving catch and Romero earning his second save despite the bullpen losing Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz at the Deadline.
The Cardinals could have leaned on prospects like Quinn Mathews for starts or given late-game at-bats to younger players like Jordan Walker or Nolan Gorman. But instead, they trusted experienced players who continue to deliver. That decision reflects manager Oliver Marmol’s belief in maintaining a standard of competitiveness, even while integrating younger talent.
Marmol emphasized that his approach hasn’t changed despite the evolving roster. The team still prioritizes development and evaluation, but not at the cost of winning games. He and his coaching staff continue to provide opportunities for young players like Thomas Saggese, Gorman, Walker, and bullpen arms including Kyle Leahy, Ryan Fernandez, Matt Svanson, Andre Granillo, and Riley O’Brien. Marmol acknowledged that the roster will remain fluid through the final two months as the team seeks the right balance.
Players like Alec Burleson and Iván Herrera are expected to remain in the lineup due to consistent performance—Burleson in the outfield or at first base, and Herrera in left field after recently hitting a 428-foot homer. Gorman and Saggese will share third base duties while working on their defense.
Nootbaar and Walker will alternate in right field, with Nootbaar also taking time in center. Both players have dealt with injuries this season, and how they perform down the stretch could influence their roles in the team’s future.
Marmol contrasted the current situation with the end of the 2023 season, when the Cardinals played out the schedule with players unlikely to factor into the team’s future. This time, the roster is made up of players the organization sees as part of its long-term plans.
“This lineup is what’s next,” Marmol said. “Some of these guys in the bullpen, that’s what’s next. We’re investing in our future—unlike before.”
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