Although the St. Louis Cardinals are in a state of transition, there will be one constant for the next couple of years.
The Cardinals announced on Sunday that they have agreed to a two-year extension with manager Oliver Marmol. The extension also includes a team option for 2029.
Marmol originally took over as the Cardinals manager after Mike Shildt was dismissed following the 2021 season. The then-35-year-old Marmol guided the Cardinals to a 93-69 record, winning the NL Central title. However, the Cardinals were swept out of the playoffs during the wild- card round by the Phillies.
Managerial stability should help Cardinals’ rebuilding process
That has proved to be Marmol’s high-water mark thus far. The Cardinals fell to the NL Central basement in 2023 and have yet to reach the postseason since. Marmol, however, is on his second contract extension as the Cardinals’ struggles are more of a reflection on the roster than his managerial capabilities.
The Cardinals enter the 2026 season in a state of transition. Chaim Bloom has taken over as Cardinals president of baseball operations. First baseman Willson Contreras, third baseman Nolan Arenado, infielder Brendan Donovan and pitcher Sonny Gray were traded during the offseason.
By retaining Marmol, the Cardinals will have a consistent voice on the bench as they look to return to the postseason. The team’s failures are difficult to lay at his feet, given the aging roster he had to work with. Marmol will have a chance to prove himself as the Cardinals work to develop a more dynamic roster as they look to rebuild a sustainable contender.