With the St. Louis Cardinals struggling at the plate and ranking poorly in various offensive statistics, fans are increasingly pointing fingers at hitting coach Turner Ward. However, while Ward shoulders some responsibility, it’s important to recognize that the team’s offensive woes likely stem from multiple factors beyond his control.
Although Ward provides guidance, ultimately, it’s up to the hitters to perform. It’s improbable that Ward is drastically altering the swings of established stars like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, or players who have previously shown success like Brendan Donovan.
Despite criticism from fans who favor analytics, both the players and manager Oli Marmol defend Ward, emphasizing their support for him. Marmol intends to stand by Ward, citing the positive influence he brings to the clubhouse.
However, the reality is that hitting coaches often bear the brunt of blame when offenses struggle, leading to short tenures in their roles.
Given the circumstances, parting ways with Ward seems like the Cardinals’ most viable option to shake things up. With Marmol secured through 2026 and other key personnel staying put, letting go of Ward could signal a significant change.
While the team preaches patience, similar to their approach during the disappointing 2023 season, drastic action may be necessary for any meaningful improvement. Just as the St. Louis Blues saw a turnaround after firing their head coach during the 2023-2024 NHL season, letting go of Ward might be the jolt needed to revitalize the Cardinals’ offense.
