Overview

• Officially introduced as president of baseball operations, Bloom said the Cardinals must be elite at acquiring and developing talent and reiterated that the club is not meeting its standards.
• Bloom confirmed Marmol will manage in 2026 and said continuity on the coaching staff is likely, framing upcoming choices as long-term moves that may require short‑term sacrifices.
• Veteran movement is on the table, with Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras discussed in trade contexts; Bloom indicated openness to including cash in deals, ruled out releasing Arenado, and suggested less urgency to move Gray.
• Ownership acknowledged MLB’s largest year‑over‑year attendance decline and said 2026 payroll is not yet set, pledging resources for Bloom’s plan.
• Bloom, who advised the club during 2025, steps in after a 78–84 season and three straight playoff misses, and he said hiring a general manager could wait beyond this offseason.