Locked On Cardinals - Daily Podcast On The St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals welcome back legendary catcher Yadier Molina as Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, sparking excitement about his influence on the club’s future direction. Can Molina mentor the Cardinals’ next generation of elite catchers and help restore a championship mindset in St. Louis?

JD Hafron shares key insights on Molina’s expanded role, evaluates the team’s top catching prospects, and praises Manager Oli Marmol’s open approach to coaching collaboration. The international signing class takes center stage as Tyler Gettinger highlights phenom outfielder Emmanuel Luna, rising shortstop Carlos Carrion, and “giraffe”-tall pitcher...

St. Louis Cardinals search for a big right-handed bat heats up as JD Hafron spotlights key free agents Harrison Bader, Austin Hays, and Miguel Andújar. With both Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado gone, JD Hafron questions if Jordan Walker or Thomas Saggese can emerge as true lineup anchors, or if an external upgrade is essential for 2026. Is defense or offensive punch the greater priority as the roster skews left-handed?

From Winter Warm-Up reactions to front office transparency, JD Hafron dissects how president Heim Bloom’s moves reflect a new youth movement in St. Louis. Hear essential upd...

St. Louis Cardinals' rebuild heats up as trade rumors swirl around Brendan Donovan following Nolan Arenado’s departure. Will Donovan be the next key piece moved to accelerate the Cardinals’ youth movement, or could he anchor the new core? JD Hafron examines Donovan's sizzling trade value, potential suitors like the Mariners, Red Sox, and Giants, and breaks down how a move could unlock playing time for rising stars.

MLB’s international signing period delivers big news for Cardinals fans as top-10 prospect Emanuel Luna joins the club, injecting fresh hope into the farm system. JD spotlights St. Louis’...

St. Louis Cardinals hit the reset button, shipping future Hall of Famer Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a move that signals a dramatic rebuild. Did the Arenado era in St. Louis fall flat, or were there unseen bright spots in his five-year tenure? JD Hafron breaks down the trade for prospect Jack Martinez, analyzes the underwhelming return, and unpacks how the Birds on the Bat arrived at this crossroads after a string of disappointing seasons and costly roster missteps.

Key topics include the Cardinals’ struggles in player development, questions surrounding Paul Goldschmidt and the team’s ag...

Nolan Arenado heads to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a shocking trade, shaking up the National League playoff picture. Are the Diamondbacks building one of baseball’s best infields after acquiring the all-star third baseman for minimal cost? Sully, Daynen Biggs, and JD Hafron break down what Arenado’s arrival means for Arizona’s postseason hopes, the future of standout players like Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo, and how Arizona’s front office is retooling their roster after missing the playoffs by a slim margin.

On the flip side, the St. Louis Cardinals embrace a full-scale rebuild, moving on from...

St. Louis Cardinals overhaul their pitching staff, with 16 new arms set to reshape their rotation and bullpen for 2026. Is this the shift that transforms pitching from a weakness into an organizational strength? JD Hafron and Thomas Gauvain break down key additions like Dustin May, Hunter Dobbins, and Richard Fitts, exploring prospects' upside and veteran reliability.

Discussion highlights recent trades, free agent signings, and the Cardinals' refreshed minor league depth, raising questions about Opening Day rotation and bullpen battles. The episode also examines potential trade scenarios involving Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan, Boston's infield crisis, and the impact...

St. Louis Cardinals add World Series-winning reliever Ryan Stanek in a bold bullpen shakeup. Can the flamethrower's triple-digit fastball re-ignite the team's late-inning dominance? Trade rumors swirl around Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, and JoJo Romero, with major market implications and questions about future returns. Is a big move imminent, and will Cardinals fans see fresh faces or familiar names in key infield roles?

JD Hafron breaks down Stanek's strengths and veteran appeal, while analyzing recent arbitration decisions involving Brendan Donovan, JoJo Romero, Alec Burleson, Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, and Andre Pallante locked in for another...

St. Louis Cardinals shake up their bullpen with the addition of left-hander Justin Bruihl, raising questions about JoJo Romero’s future and the team’s strategy for rebuilding. Major League Baseball executives spotlight top prospects JJ Wetherholt and Liam Doyle—could Wetherholt become the next NL Rookie of the Year? The Cubs stir the NL Central with a blockbuster trade for Edward Cabrera, threatening to shift the division’s balance of power.

0:00 — Cardinals Add Justin Bruihl
10:09 — Prospects Garnering National Attention
20:10 — Cubs-Marlins Trade Impact

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Nolan Arenado to the Los Angeles Angels? The blockbuster trade buzz heats up as Mike Frisch, John Frisch, and JD Hafron debate whether acquiring the future Hall of Famer is what the Angels need after moving on from Anthony Rendon. Could Arenado’s defensive brilliance and veteran presence spark a turnaround for the Halos, or are injury concerns and declining power too much to ignore?

The conversation breaks down Arenado’s contract details, potential prospect packages involving pitching prospects Caden Dana or Jack Kochanowicz, and the financial gymnastics needed for a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis Cardinals face a pivotal season as young stars Masyn Winn and Victor Scott II look to ignite a new era. Can Winn’s elite defense and maturing plate approach, paired with Scott’s electrifying speed, restore excitement to the Cardinals’ lineup and push past recent struggles? Key positions and player health—especially Ivan Herrera’s bat and versatility—could make or break the 2026 campaign.

JD Hafron spotlights roster shakeups, front office moves, and the growing urgency for former prospects like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker to step up. The episode examines the impact of trades involving Br...

St. Louis Cardinals brace for a franchise-altering shake-up as trade rumors swirl around Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan. Could a blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Angels finally send Arenado home to Southern California? JD Hafron breaks down the latest whispers, the lingering Alex Bregman free agency effect on the third base market, and why St. Louis may be forced to eat a major chunk of salary to move their All-Star infielder.

As rival clubs like the Mariners, Giants, and Red Sox circle Donovan, negotiations intensify over prospects versus proven big-league talent—will the Cardinals hold firm on...

St. Louis Cardinals eye a bright future as two catchers—Jimmy Crooks and Rainiel Rodriguez—earn recognition as top bounce-back and breakout candidates for 2026. With Ivan Herrera’s power bat, Pedro Pagés’ defense, and emerging prospects Leonardo Bernal and Rodriguez surging up MLB Pipeline’s rankings, could the Cardinals’ catching corps become a cornerstone of their next contending team?

JD Hafron spotlights the depth at catcher, analyzes which young talents might be trade bait, and breaks down what Rodriguez’s rare power at age 18 means for the Cardinals’ offensive outlook. Also on deck: updates on St. Louis’ rotation s...

St. Louis Cardinals may be nearing a surprising trade pivot—could Nolan Arenado be on the move to the Seattle Mariners instead of Brendan Donovan? JD Hafron breaks down the ongoing trade speculation swirling between the Cardinals and Mariners, raising questions about Arenado’s declining offense, JoJo Romero’s potential as a trade sweetener, and what Seattle really needs to complete its World Series puzzle. The conversation spotlights the shifting value of Cardinals veterans and teases just how high the asking price still is for Donovan.

Key topics include St. Louis’s hunt for veteran starting pitching, potentia...

St. Louis Cardinals target right-handed power to fill key roster gaps. JD Hafron and Thomas Gauvain debate which free agents and trade possibilities—like Harrison Bader, Miguel Andujar, and Jo Adell—could deliver the right spark in 2026. With the club’s lineup skewing left-handed after the departure of Willson Contreras and looming questions around Nolan Arenado, who will step up to add thump from the right side? From Christmas wish list dream signings to trade deadline flip candidates, no scenario is off the table.

Insightful discussion unpacks the return from the Contreras trade, the influx of new pitchi...

St. Louis Cardinals eye a potential blockbuster with the Boston Red Sox for Brendan Donovan, sparking speculation over a third major trade this offseason. Is St. Louis risking too much or positioning for a brighter future? JD Hafron unpacks fresh rumors, dissecting what a Donovan move could mean for the Cardinals' roster shakeup and the Red Sox's infield needs. Intriguing questions surround management's aggressive trading approach and whether other teams like Seattle or Cleveland can keep pace.

Chaim Bloom offers insider perspective on recent returns, including arms Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo, and Blake Aita, and outlines plans...

St. Louis Cardinals shake up their future by trading Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox for three right-handed pitchers. Hunter Dobbins joins the rotation mix, despite injury concerns, while Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita offer upside as potential long-term assets. The team’s shift opens the door for Alec Burleson to take over first base and spotlights rising prospects in a retooled roster.

JD Hafron examines how boosting pitching depth, betting on player development, and clearing payroll could reshape St. Louis’ trajectory in the NL Central. Insightful breakdowns cover Sonny Gray’s exit, offseason strategy, and the ri...

St. Louis Cardinals bet big on Dustin May as he joins the rotation, sparking hopes of a fresh start for both player and team. After battling a life-threatening esophagus tear and season-ending neuritis, can May’s rejuvenated arm and added strength restore his promising career and elevate the Cardinals’ young pitching staff?

0:00 — Dustin May Press Conference
10:00 — Cardinals Trade Rumors & Strategy
22:35 — Rule 5 Draft & Yankees Take Winquist

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St. Louis Cardinals risk missing a golden trade opportunity as the reliever market surges—will holding JoJo Romero shake up their season plans? JD Hafron breaks down the frenzy for bullpen arms across Major League Baseball, examining key moves by rivals and questioning whether the Cardinals should still move their top lefty or double down for playoff depth.

Other hot topics include Dustin May’s finalized contract, Rainiel Rodriguez’s emergence as the farm system’s rising star, and the shifting trade landscape for Nolan Arenado amid Alex Bregman rumors. With insights on free-agent bullpen targets, what lefty ar...

Brendan Donovan’s trade value surges as the St. Louis Cardinals field aggressive offers—can the front office land a major league-ready starting pitcher or top prospects in exchange? The Braves’ eye-popping $20 million deal for Ha-Seong Kim sets a new market standard, putting a spotlight on the urgency and stakes surrounding Donovan’s future in St. Louis.

JD Hafron breaks down the implications for the Cardinals’ roster and bullpen, including fan reactions and the risk-reward calculus of the new Dustin May signing. Key topics include lefty JoJo Romero’s uncertain status as the relief market heats up, trade rumors...

St. Louis Cardinals make a high-upside gamble, signing right-handed pitcher Dustin May to a one-year deal with a mutual option. Can May revive his career and anchor a rotation full of question marks? JD Hafron examines the risks and rewards of this move, weighing May’s electric stuff and postseason experience against his extensive injury history and recent health setbacks.

Trade rumors swirl as Brendan Donovan attracts aggressive offers from the Mariners and Giants, with top prospects like Jurrangelo Cijntje and Lazaro Montes in the mix. Discussion highlights the Cardinals’ strategy for rebuilding value, potential blockbuster trades, and...

St. Louis Cardinals spark trade buzz as the Boston Red Sox target Willson Contreras for first base, reigniting a familiar pipeline between the clubs. With Brendan Donovan also rumored, speculation intensifies—will the Cardinals capitalize on market demand or hold their core? Unexpected twists in the reliever market and growing fan impatience add extra intrigue as major roster decisions loom.

JD Hafron spotlights looming bullpen upgrades, top free-agent targets like Danny Coulombe, and fan favorite JoJo Romero’s uncertain future. Plus, Chaim Bloom’s candid insights reveal how a lack of minor league resources may have stunted Ivan H...

St. Louis Cardinals' trade buzz heats up as Willson Contreras and Lars Nootbaar attract major interest from the New York Mets following Pete Alonso's blockbuster move to Baltimore. Are the Cardinals ready to shake up their roster, and what could a deal mean for the club's youth movement and future prospects? JD Hafron breaks down possible trade scenarios, top Mets prospects, and the shifting priorities in the Cardinals organization.

Cardinals fans also get the latest on the Rule 5 Draft, as the team selects right-handed pitcher Matt Pushard from the Miami Marlins to bolster the bullpen and takes...

St. Louis Cardinals tumble in the MLB Draft lottery, dropping from the eighth-best odds for the No. 1 pick all the way to unlucky No. 13. Can they still uncover a hidden gem in a draft spot that’s produced stars like Manny Ramirez and Chris Sale? JD Hafron unpacks the surprising fallout, breaks down mock draft predictions including Virginia standout AJ Gracia, and explores what this setback means for the Cardinals’ ongoing rebuild.

Trade buzz heats up as Brendan Donovan and JoJo Romero attract interest from over a dozen teams, while the market for elite relief pitchers explodes duri...

St. Louis Cardinals eye under-the-radar upgrades as the Rule 5 Draft approaches. Can a savvy bullpen addition like Peyton Pallette or a power lefty such as Felipe De La Cruz become game-changers for the 2026 roster? Host JD Hafron, joined by Thomas Gauvain of RedbirdRants.com, breaks down the top unprotected minor league arms that could fit the Cardinals’ needs and evaluates the internal risk of losing Pete Hansen.

Trade rumors swirl as JoJo Romero’s market heats up and teams like the Yankees circle Brendan Donovan. Hafron and Gauvain analyze which Cardinals—Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman, Alec Burleson—are most...

St. Louis Cardinals pivot from perennial contenders to bold sellers—can this hard reset spark a winning future? JD Hafron spotlights the Cardinals’ long-overdue commitment to rebuilding, with stars like Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, and JoJo Romero on the trade block. Key questions arise: Will aggressive moves under new President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom finally pay dividends, and which veterans have seen their last days in St. Louis?

0:00 Cardinals Rebuild Direction
10:49 Trade Chips & Winter Meetings
21:02 Arenado Release Option and NL Central Rumors

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A blockbuster mock trade has Brendan Donovan and Jordan Walker emerge as prime assets in a potential deal with the Kansas City Royals. Could lefty Kris Bubic and prospect Ben Kudrna give the Cardinals the pitching depth they desperately need? The ongoing search for starting pitchers heats up as winter meetings approach, with rumors swirling around high-impact moves and standout prospects across Major League Baseball.

0:00 – Cardinals Pitching Trade Discussion
10:09 – Nolan Arenado Trade Situation
20:21 – Cardinals Waiver Claim & News

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St. Louis Cardinals shake up MLB by sending Sonny Gray and $20 million to the Boston Red Sox for pitching prospects Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke. Can Gray shore up Boston's rotation and fill the void left by Lucas Giolito, or will his late-career home run issues haunt Fenway Park? JD and Gabby break down the immediate impact, debate whether Boston’s rotation still needs a true No. 2 starter, and analyze Fitt’s potential as a multi-inning weapon if he stays healthy.

Chaim Bloom’s leadership in St. Louis sparks conversation—can he replicate his farm-system magic or will his...

St. Louis Cardinals target a bold rotation upgrade as whispers grow around veteran starter Tyler Mahle. With the 2026 pitching staff light on experience, can St. Louis find the right veteran presence to steady the ship, or will their reliance on prospects like Quinn Mathews and Cooper Hjerpe leave them vulnerable? JD Hafron explores the front office’s strategic focus and why a short-term deal could lure Mahle to the Midwest.

0:00 - Cardinals Rotation Rumors
10:12 - Willson Contreras Trade Options
20:10 - NL Central Free Agent Chatter

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St. Louis Cardinals face a turning point, entering a rare full rebuild after decades of playoff contention. Will fans stick by their team as stars like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray hit the trade market? Paul Francis Sullivan (Sully) and JD Hafron spotlight the moves shaking up the franchise, including the blockbuster Sonny Gray deal to Boston and open discussions about trading Brendan Donovan.

0:00 — Cardinals’ Fanbase & Rebuild
3:19 — Cardinals’ Trade/Rebuild Strategy
13:50 — Devin Williams Mets Signing

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Two of the St. Louis Cardinals’ brightest young players unveil game-changing offseason routines—could their secret weapons ignite a return to contention in 2026? With the rotation shaken by the Sonny Gray trade, a youth movement is officially underway. How will Walker’s revamped hitting approach and Mautz's pitching breakthrough at Tread Athletics reshape the Cardinals' future?

0:00 — Cardinals Young Stars Offseason Changes
4:26 — Brycen Mautz & Jordan Walker Development
13:12 — Rotation Trade, Prospects, Team Outlook

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Ryan Helsley exits St. Louis' possible plans as the Baltimore Orioles’ new shutdown closer, shaking up the MLB reliever landscape and leaving the St. Louis Cardinals searching for fresh firepower in the ninth inning. Which veteran or breakout arm will step into the role—and will the Cardinals finally move on from the last remnants of their recent core?

0:00 — Helsley Signs, Closer Market
11:06 — Cardinals Trade Deadline Recap
20:11 — Marmol Extension Reactions

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St. Louis Cardinals spark controversy with reported extension talks for manager Oli Marmol, even as fans question his winning record and future with the team. Are the Cardinals betting on stability over a fresh start—and will this strategy reignite their championship ambitions?

0:00 – Cardinals Coaching Changes
10:15 – Oli Marmol Extension Debate
23:08 – Mock Trade Reactions

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St. Louis Cardinals fans brace for seismic changes as Sonny Gray departs and blockbuster trade rumors swirl around Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan. Could a three-team deal with the Mets and Mariners reshape the Cardinals’ future and free up millions in payroll? JD Hafron evaluates the wild trade proposal and spotlights top prospects like Lazaro Montes who could join the Redbirds as part of a rebuild.

https://www.mlb.com/news/hypothetical-mlb-trades-2025-26-offseason

0:00 - Arenado & Donovan Trade Rumors
10:00 - Brendan Donovan Trade Market
21:00 - Sonny Gray Trade Reactions & Cardinals Strategy

Fo...

St. Louis Cardinals ignite a bold rebuild with the blockbuster Sonny Gray trade to the Boston Red Sox. Will emerging arms Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke anchor the next great rotation, or did the Cardinals pay too steep a price by eating $20 million to move their veteran ace?

0:00 - Sonny Gray Trade Breakdown
11:15 - National Trade Grades & Analysis
22:10 - Cardinals Fan Reactions

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St. Louis Cardinals shake up their rotation by trading top starter Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. Are the Redbirds heading for a youth movement or gearing up for more blockbuster deals? JD Hafron breaks down the Gray trade, spotlighting new pitching prospects Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke—whose upside could redefine the Cardinals’ pitching strategy. With $20 million sent to Boston and the rotation looking light on experience, questions swirl around potential Arenado moves and future free agent targets.

0:00 – Sonny Gray Trade Analysis
11:40 – Cardinals Roster Moves & Catcher Depth
20:10 – Pitching Depth & Trade Deadline Review

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St. Louis Cardinals prepare for a seismic shift as Nolan Arenado’s days at Busch Stadium appear numbered. Which playoff contenders are best positioned to land the future Hall of Famer, and what could his departure mean for a retooling Cardinals infield? Is a blockbuster move to the Angels, Phillies, Red Sox, or Diamondbacks imminent—and would a reunion with Paul Goldschmidt in Arizona spark an NL West resurgence?

https://www.mlb.com/news/counting-down-trade-fits-for-nolan-arenado

00:00 "Cardinals Updates & Nolan Arenado"

05:17 "Bregman's Impact on Free Agency"

06:12 "Third Base Market Options Analyzed"

12:13 Pira...

Milwaukee Brewers dominate the NL Central, finishing 19 games ahead of rivals St. Louis Cardinals, but can they keep the crown amid a changing division Chuck Freimund and JD Hafron highlight the Brewers’ strategic approach and the Cardinals’ pressing need for young, controllable pitching. Are big trades—including a possible Nolan Arenado move—on the horizon for St. Louis? Will Milwaukee’s reliance on bargain acquisitions and player development finally pay off in the postseason, or is a power bat at third base the missing piece?

Breakdowns center on the Cardinals’ farm system woes, Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker’s str...

St. Louis Cardinals fans have big reasons to celebrate: top prospect J.J. Wetherholt earns Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year honors and could crack the Opening Day lineup by 2026. Is Wetherholt the future superstar that will ignite Cardinals Nation and reverse recent disappointment? Host JD Hafron examines Wetherholt’s impact, offensive stats, winning mentality, and the potential infield shakeup alongside Nolan Gorman and Masyn Win.

Meanwhile, pitcher Brycen Mautz garners Cardinals' Pitcher of the Year recognition, giving the Cardinals rotation new hope for depth and reliability. With Sonny Gray trade rumors swirling and roster uncertainty lo...

St. Louis Cardinals solidify their future by protecting top prospects ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. Leonardo Bernal (MLB Pipeline Top 100 catcher), Joshua Baez (power-speed outfielder), Cooper Hjerpe, and Brycen Mautz (promising left-handed pitchers) earn coveted spots on the 40-man roster. Can this new wave of talent ignite a turnaround and set Cardinals fans abuzz?

00:00 Rule 5 Draft Process Explained

04:22 Leonardo Bernal: Rising Catcher Star

08:09 Joshua Baez Breakout & Outfield Depth

11:27 Hjerpe's Recovery and MLB Aspirations

15:51 Pitcher Profile: Versatile Arsenal

18:05 Cardinals' Unprotected Players Spotlight

20:37 Angels Trade Ward for...

St. Louis Cardinals face a crucial 40-man roster crunch ahead of the Rule 5 draft deadline. Who will earn protection—and which familiar names could be let go?

Rumors swirl around trade packages for Brendan Donovan and Sonny Gray, including a creative Atlanta Braves proposal featuring top prospect Cam Caminiti and former All-Star Bryce Elder.

00:00 Cardinals' Rule 5 Deadline Dilemma

03:23 Cardinals Roster Protection Discussion

08:12 "Emphasizing Pitching Variety"

12:36 "Cardinals Rumors: Brendan Donovan"

14:18 Brendan Donovan Trade Interest Growing

16:39 Young Pitcher Scouting Report

19:59 Cardinals Trade Concerns

24:09 "Th...