The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in an intriguing position in the early part of the 2025 season. Many experts and fans alike anticipated that this year would mark the start of a full-scale rebuild for the franchise, especially after their struggles in recent seasons. The expectation was that superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado — one of the most talented players in baseball — might be traded to a contender looking to bolster its lineup for a playoff push.
However, things have played out differently. Instead of sinking into a rebuild, the Cardinals have managed to keep themselves competitive, with a 9-9 record after Wednesday’s game. They’re currently just 1.5 games behind in a tightly packed NL Central division, where every team seems to be within reach of one another. While it’s still early in the season, and plenty can change over the course of 162 games, the fact that the Cardinals are staying in the race complicates the decision-making process for their front office.
If St. Louis remains competitive over the next few weeks, it’s likely they will resist pulling the trigger on any drastic changes or trades. The possibility of a rebuild could be put on the back burner for now, especially if they’re within striking distance of a playoff spot by the time the trade deadline rolls around. The Cardinals could find themselves in a delicate balancing act: trying to remain relevant in a competitive division while also keeping an eye on the future.
A key question for the Cardinals going forward is the role of Nolan Arenado. While he’s been a vital part of the team’s success, the team may have to evaluate whether keeping him for a potential playoff push is more beneficial than trading him to add pieces for a longer-term rebuild. Arenado is a proven star, but his future with the team could be tied to how the rest of the season unfolds. If the Cardinals fall out of the playoff race, trading Arenado could still be a viable option. On the other hand, if they stay competitive, they may choose to keep him and build around their current roster for a run at the division.
The situation also highlights the larger question surrounding the Cardinals’ approach to roster management in the coming months. A strong, balanced team is necessary for a successful season, and St. Louis will need to keep evaluating their assets, making adjustments where needed, and staying flexible with their approach. With the team so close to being in contention, it would be hard for the front office to make sweeping changes without giving their current roster a chance to prove it can remain in the race. The decisions made in the coming months will be crucial, not just for 2025, but for shaping the future of the franchise.
Ultimately, while a rebuild may have seemed imminent, the Cardinals’ current position in the standings gives them hope. Whether or not they stay competitive will depend on the team’s ability to stay consistent and make the right moves. Regardless of whether they continue to push for a division title or lean toward retooling, the next few weeks will be vital in determining the direction the Cardinals take in 2025.
Many St. Louis Cardinals fans are expressing their frustration with the direction of the franchise by staying away from Busch Stadium this season. While the team’s 9-9 record and position just 1.5 games out of first place in the NL Central shows some potential, the undercurrent of discontent among the fanbase is palpable.
The protest is driven by a variety of factors, many of which center around the team’s perceived lack of progress in recent years. Despite the Cardinals being one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, there’s been growing concern about their inability to contend at the highest level. For years, fans have watched as the team has faltered in key moments, with postseason appearances becoming less frequent and deeper runs even rarer. The lack of significant moves or investments to strengthen the roster has only fueled the frustration.
A major point of contention has been the team’s handling of key players, like star third baseman Nolan Arenado. With Arenado’s contract and the hope that he might be dealt to a contender for a package of prospects, many fans were bracing for a rebuild — a shift that could bring in the next wave of talent. However, instead of the expected overhaul, the team has shown signs of staying competitive, causing some fans to question whether the Cardinals are truly committed to going all-in or if they’re simply treading water in a division that has become increasingly difficult.
Additionally, the lack of transparency from ownership and the front office has led to feelings of disillusionment among the fanbase. Many fans feel that the team is not doing enough to improve, either through trades or signings, and are left wondering if the franchise is more focused on financial stability rather than on-field success.
This protest movement by fans is more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s a reflection of the larger frustration with how the team has been managed in recent seasons. For a fanbase that has long prided itself on passionate support and loyalty, the absence of fans at Busch Stadium is a loud signal of dissatisfaction. The empty seats are a visual representation of how disconnected many fans feel from the franchise’s direction.
Despite this, the Cardinals are still in the hunt for the NL Central crown, and it remains to be seen whether the team can turn things around in the eyes of their loyal supporters. The front office will need to decide if they are content with being a middle-of-the-pack team or if they are willing to make the necessary moves to rebuild or strengthen their roster. Fans are watching closely, and their patience may be running out. The next few months could determine whether the protest continues or if the team can win back the support of those who have long stood by them.
