St. Louis Cardinals supporters may be feeling disheartened by the trajectory of the 2024 season, but there’s a chance they could witness a familiar face take on a managerial role if the National League Central squad opts for some changes.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, manager Oli Marmol’s position may be in jeopardy if the team’s struggles persist.
Heyman floated the idea that the Cardinals might consider either Yadier Molina or Albert Pujols for a managerial position, as both have expressed interest in transitioning into coaching roles.
However, neither of the Cardinals icons is seen as the top candidate. Heyman pointed to Miami Marlins skipper Skip Schumaker as the most likely option for the Cardinals if they decide to make a move. With Miami declining the club option on his contract for the 2025 season, Schumaker will have the freedom to join St. Louis or another team next year.
Schumaker earned Manager of the Year honors last season after guiding the Marlins to an 84-78 record and a playoff berth. He also has ties to the Cardinals, having played for the team for the first eight years of his career from 2005 to 2012, including during their 2011 World Series triumph.
Similarly, Molina and Pujols boast impressive resumes with the Cardinals. Molina, a two-time World Series champion and 10-time All-Star, spent his entire 19-year career with the franchise. Meanwhile, Pujols, a two-time World Series champion and three-time National League MVP, played the first 12 years of his career in St. Louis.
While neither Molina nor Pujols has managerial experience in the majors, Molina managed the Puerto Rico team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and currently leads the Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela. Pujols is set to manage the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic.
Although transitioning to managerial roles with the Cardinals would be a significant leap for both players, their esteemed status within the franchise’s history would undoubtedly make them popular choices among the team’s supporters, particularly if the struggling Cardinals fail to improve on their 18-25 record this year.
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