The possibility of bringing back club icons Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols as possible managers in 2026 has generated a lot of discussion as the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for a transformative offseason. Both fans and experts are wondering where the team will go in the future due to the upcoming changes within the organization, most notably the appointment of Chaim Bloom as president of baseball operations in place of John Mozeliak.
Transition in Leadership
The Cardinals’ impending rebuilding period has raised concerns about manager Oli Marmol’s employment. Even while there are signs that Bloom could keep Marmol on board and even extend his contract, it’s difficult to resist the appeal of Pujols and Molina taking over as managers. Josh Jacobs of FanSided discussed the strong arguments for switching from Marmol to one of these legendary characters on the “Dealin’ the Cards” podcast.
The Allure of Pujols and Molina
“If Pujols is really like ‘Hey, I’ll manage for you next year,’ or Yadi, that temptation that’s sitting there, the allure of that, the excitement, even for ownership,'” Jacobs explained, describing the enthusiasm that Pujols or Molina could bring to the team. Both of them, in my opinion, possess the skills necessary to be excellent managers. He said he had more faith in Pujols’s leadership abilities and that both legends might rekindle the passion of supporters who had lost interest in them since their retirement in 2022.
The Cardinals haven’t made it to the postseason since that year, which emphasizes how urgent it is to get their fan base excited again. Hiring Pujols or Molina may be a catalyst for increasing ticket sales and resurrecting the excitement that once filled the stands at Busch Stadium, where attendance has drastically decreased.
Proven Leadership Experience
Both Molina and Pujols are highly respected in the clubhouse for their leadership accomplishments as well as their legendary careers. They possess the abilities required to lead a Major League squad thanks to their managerial experience in the Winter Leagues and World Baseball Classic. In comparison, the Cardinals did not have the same depth of expertise when they promoted Mike Matheny following Tony La Russa’s illustrious stint.
Evaluating the Future
The possibility of adding a beloved character like Pujols or Molina as manager is alluring, even though Marmol has handled difficult situations well and kept the Cardinals competitive in the National League Wild Card race. It’s unclear if Bloom and the ownership would consider this option, but it might have a significant effect on team morale and fan involvement.
The return of Pujols or Molina as a manager may be a game-changer in a situation where the Cardinals are trying to rekindle the fervor of their fan base. Whispers of nostalgia and the hope for a better future are becoming more and more prevalent as the organization gets ready for a crucial offseason.
