Cardinals Explore Catcher Change, Trade Options Amid 2025 Playoff Hunt

The St. Louis Cardinals are navigating a transitional 2025 season with a focus on developing young talent and making strategic decisions to enhance their roster. Nolan Arenado remains a key player at third base, limiting opportunities for younger infielders like Nolan Gorman, who has emerged as a valuable trade asset due to his recent offensive surge. Catcher Ivan Herrera has delivered an impressive offensive breakout, posting a .315 average and .923 OPS, but his defensive struggles have sparked discussions about trading Pedro Pages to prioritize Herrera's bat despite potential defensive risks. The Cardinals, currently holding a 38-35 record, are balancing playoff aspirations with the need to maximize roster flexibility, including considering whether to trade controllable players like Gorman for pitching. Looking ahead, the team is preparing for the 2025 MLB Draft with the No. 5 pick, where prospects like left-handed hitter JoJo Parker are projected targets to bolster the organization's future. Overall, the Cardinals are in a period of retooling, seeking to leverage both their young players' development and draft opportunities to build a competitive team.