St. Louis Cardinals Roster Autopsy

Jake Wood analyzes the St. Louis Cardinals' 2026 season roster, identifying a severe lack of offensive power and pitching swing-and-miss ability as key shortcomings. The Cardinals parted ways with hitting coach Brant Brown following an offensive campaign where the team ranked 29th in team OPS and 24th in home runs. Wood notes that injuries to JJ Wetherholt and second-half power drops from Jordan Walker further compromised run production.

Conversely, Wood highlights defense as the team's clearest strength, noting that Masyn Winn, JJ Wetherholt, and pitcher Michael McGreevy emerged as Gold Glove finalists. Looking forward, the piece outlines how President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom could reshape the bullpen and integrate high-strikeout pitching prospects to address the club's pitching deficiencies.