New Cardinals Executive to Be Announced in Sweeping Changes
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly implementing significant changes to their front office. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, Chaim Bloom will assume a larger role, focusing on hiring a new director of player development and overhauling that department.
“Chaim Bloom, who played a key role in transforming the Tampa Bay Rays into a player development powerhouse before facing challenges as the chief baseball officer of the Boston Red Sox, joined the Cardinals earlier this year as a consultant to evaluate the club’s minor-league operations,” Woo explained. “Bloom has since transitioned to a full-time position in the front office, where he will implement changes in the Cardinals’ farm system based on his findings.”
It remains unclear what title Bloom will hold, but Woo has gathered insights from multiple Cardinals staffers about the situation concerning their player development system, which was once among the best in baseball but has become increasingly neglected over time.
Chaim Bloom is set to take on a significant role in the Cardinals’ front office as the team prepares to enhance its farm system following two consecutive years without postseason play. Katie Woo noted that there are no intentions of tanking, as sources indicate that the organization aims to concentrate on improving the minor leagues and player development. St. Louis was among the first teams to adopt advanced analytics in their amateur draft model.
Between 2005-2010, the Cardinals excelled at utilizing analytics to scout and identify talent, refining their drafting and development processes by targeting young, undervalued players not found on top-100 prospect lists. This strategy helped them select college players who typically advance through the minors faster than high school graduates, contributing significantly to their victory in the 2011 World Series.
Unfortunately, the once-promising development practices have faltered, with players like Jordan Walker, Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, and Dylan Carlson struggling to achieve success at the major league level.
Other Changes Ahead The future of John Mozeliak with the organization has been a topic of speculation; though under contract until the end of the 2025 season, he has suggested he may resign upon its expiration. Woo reports that manager Oliver Marmol is expected to stay on, but several coaches, including hitting coaches Turner Ward and Brandon Allen, game-planning coach Packy Elkins, assistant pitching coach Julio Rangel, and first base coach Stubby Clapp, are only signed through this season. Major changes are anticipated, with a press conference planned for Monday to outline the Cardinals’ next steps.
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