There’s a reason behind the St. Louis Cardinals’ downfall! And it’s the management and ownership to blame for it. The reason? For the past few years, the existing players and broadcasters have dropped different news, indicating the person at fault. But what have the Cardinals been doing for some time?

Well, the Cardinals have not just failed to perform to their potential, but their internal structure has crumbled in the last half-decade. More importantly, the culture the organization previously possessed isn’t the same anymore, and it has taken a drastic turn since 2019. So, who is the main person to blame?

Basically, the DeWitts have been in charge of the Cardinals for the last few decades, along with John Mozeliak, who has also been a major part of the Cardinals for over 18 years. Several changes have occurred in the past couple of years, all under the control of the top-level management and executives.

For instance, the general manager and director of player development suddenly left the organization post-2024 season. Not only him, but also Matt Slater, who was a special assistant to the GM, also left the organization.

On March 13, Ben Verlander said on the Spotify podcast, “For years after years, the Cardinals were the stables of consistency; they were the stable of winning and baseball. 2006 World Series champion, what a run they went on, playoffs every single year.”

However, despite having talents like Sonny Gray, Erick Fedde, and others in the lineup, Ben Verlander continued, “I don’t think this organization really cares the way they should; you know, this organization frustrates me. What are you doing as a culture? Culture has gone from really good to bad. They have just brought in out of nowhere to this.”

Ben Verlander also explained the analytics phase and how his culture suddenly fell below expectations. The St. Louis Cardinals do not spend enough money on the team and do not have a direction to follow, too. While he even considered the Cardinals to be one of the best five teams in the MLB, he seems to be proved wrong by the way the organization is going.

Ex-Cardinals Jim Edmonds has his say on the Cardinals?

Rather than who, it’s what is to blame for the Cardinals’ downfall

Former Cardinals’ Jim Edmonds has heaped praise for the former manager Mike Shildt, citing how the lack of former players and Hall of Famers has led to no voices in the front office. Be it the spring training coaches or anyone in decision-making at the organization. So, it’s not just about one person who may be the reason behind the cultural downfall.

Edmonds talked to DeWitts and John Mozeliak, indicating that the philosophy could be the fundamental problem. So, what can be done?

The mindset needs to be changed, and the front office must get active in getting good players, be it signing or developing them. The Cardinals terminated Mike Shildt just for philosophical differences, replacing him with a younger manager whom they thought would work well with the front office analytical.

Possibly, the St. Louis Cardinals wanted to embrace modernity, using the latest technologies, data analysis tools, and statistics to ensure a smooth transition and get back on the right path soon.

What’s your take on it? Do let us know in the comment section below.