Cardinals Dismiss Turner Ward Amid Offensive Struggles

The St. Louis Cardinals have dismissed hitting coach Turner Ward following a season marked by significant offensive struggles, particularly with a .229 average with runners in scoring position, the worst in the National League. Despite ranking mid-league in overall batting average, the team's 672 runs and 165 home runs were among the lowest in the league, contributing to their failure to secure a playoff spot. Ward, who took over as hitting coach in 2023, will not return, though manager Oli Marmol and other coaching staff members are expected to remain. The Cardinals intend to focus on player development and farm system enhancement in 2025 while addressing their coaching staff's deficiencies to improve future performance. This decision reflects a broader effort to revitalize the team's offensive capabilities after back-to-back seasons missing the playoffs.