Who actually decides how the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals season goes?

In this episode, we’re joined by Aidan Gray from Redbirds on the Arch as each of us drafts five Cardinals players who will ultimately determine the success or failure of the season. These aren’t just the best players — these are the nexus points of the roster. If they hit, the Cardinals contend. If they don’t… things could go sideways fast.

We also define what a successful season even looks like for this team in 2026 — and how much hinges on a handful of key names.

Expect strong takes, some debate, and a few picks that might surprise you.

• The 5 most important Cardinals players for 2026
• What “success” actually looks like for this roster
• Which players carry the highest pressure
• Aidan Gray joins the show for a full breakdown

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When Jason Motte went down with Tommy John surgery in 2013, the Cardinals' championship aspirations were in jeopardy. Enter Edward "The Chief" Mujica—a journeyman reliever who went from a mid-season acquisition to an All-Star closer almost overnight.

This week on Random Cardinal of the Week, Jim Plaza breaks down the dominant, high-stakes, and occasionally sleepy tenure of one of the most efficient closers in St. Louis history.

Inside this episode:

The 2013 SOS: How Mujica stabilized a bullpen reeling from injuries and early-season struggles.

The Yadi Factor: The mechanical tweak suggested by Yadier Molina that turned Mujica into a strike-throwing machine.

Elite Company: Why Mujica’s 37-save campaign puts him alongside legends like Bruce Suter and Lee Smith.

"The Chief": The hilarious story of how manager Jack McKeon gave Mujica one of baseball’s most unique nicknames.

The Legacy: How Mujica bridged the gap to the Trevor Rosenthal era and helped secure the 2013 NL Pennant.

Join us as we revisit the "magical season" of a pitcher who proved that sometimes, the best solution is the one you never saw coming.

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The Plazas vs. The Smiths. It’s the inaugural 2026 Cardinals fWAR Draft!

Scott and Jim Plaza welcome the founders of Redbird Rundown, Matt and Jonathan Smith, for a 2026 season preview like no other. We’re drafting nine-man rosters based on FanGraphs' Wins Above Replacement (fWAR). From Masyn Winn’s superstar upside to the "sneaky" value of Ramon Urias, we break down every corner of the Cardinals' roster.

Plus, we dive into our "NASCAR" bench rules, side bets on home runs and strikeouts, and why Nelson Velazquez might be the draft’s biggest boom-or-bust pick

The computer models are out, and Cardinals fans have thoughts. We’re joined by Jake Wood (Viva El Birdos) to break down the most controversial 2026 ZiPS Projections for the St. Louis Cardinals.

We put our reputations on the line with our "Locks" of the year and debate the over/under for:

• Victor Scott II (36 Steals)

• JJ Wetherholt (.338 OBP)

• Nolan Gorman (21 HR)

  
  

• Dustin May (8.06 K/9)

• And more!

Is Jordan Walker being unfairly projected? Is Michael McGreevy the secret ace of the rotation? We dive deep into the numbers so you know what to expect on Opening Day.

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"Baseball is a global sport, but for Jason Simontacchi, it was a literal passport."This week on Random Cardinal of the Week, Jim Plaza dives into the incredible, globe-trotting career of right-hander Jason Simontacchi. Long before he was a fixture in the St. Louis rotation, Simontacchi was a 21st-round pick who nearly walked away from the game entirely.After being released by multiple organizations and spending his winters driving a tow truck in California, a chance phone call from a scout in Italy changed everything. From the professional leagues of Rimini to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, "Simo" reinvented himself on the international stage before finally getting his shot in St. Louis at age 28.In this episode, we discuss:The 2002 Cardinals: A roster of legends like Pujols, Edmonds, and Kile, and how an unheralded rookie became a vital piece of the puzzle.The Italian Odyssey: How Simontacchi’s heritage led him to Europe and helped him develop the change-up that saved his career.Stepping Up in Tragedy: The emotional weight of the 2002 season and Simontacchi’s role in the rotation following the passing of Darryl Kile.Life After the Mound: His transition from a "tow truck pitcher" to a respected coach and coordinator for the Cardinals and Royals.Whether you remember his dominant June 2002 run or his "fastest game in Olympic history," Simontacchi’s story is a testament to perseverance and the strange places a baseball can take you.Support the Show:Patreon: Join for just $1 this month for bonus content! Patreon.com/RedbirdRundownFollow Us: @RedbirdRundown on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook.Subscribe: Rate and review us on Spotify and YouTube.

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The St. Louis Cardinals pitching rotation is taking shape, but it doesn't look like anyone expected. Scott Plaza is joined by Nate Schwartz (Pitcher List) and Thomas Gauvain (Redbird Rants) to break down a dominant spring performance from Matthew Liberatore. Is he ready to be the "face" of the rotation?In this episode:The "Libby" Leap: Analyzing Matthew Liberatore’s improved changeup and slider usage.Velocity Checks: Why Dustin May hitting 99 MPH matters (and why Michael McGreevy’s 91 MPH might not).The Final Spots: Who wins the battle between Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante? What about Richard Fitts?Trade Bait or Long-term Core? The guys debate the future of Dustin May and potential extensions for 2027.TICKET GIVEAWAY: Join our Patreon for just $1 before Opening Day to be entered to win Coca-Cola Unlimited seats for the Cardinals vs. Brewers on May 4th! Join now at Patreon.com/RedbirdRundownFollow the Guests:Nate Schwartz: @_nateschwartz (Pitcher List / The Approach Angle)Thomas Gauvain: @ThomasGauvain (Redbird Rants)

The St. Louis Cardinals have extended manager Oli Marmol — but the real drama might be unfolding in Spring Training.

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In this episode of Redbird Rundown, Scott, Matt, and Jonathan discuss the Cardinals’ decision to give Marmol a two-year extension with a 2029 team option and what it says about the organization’s direction.

Then the conversation shifts to Spring Training roster battles across the roster:

• The crowded catching competition

• Key infield battles that could shape the lineup

• Remaining questions in the outfield depth chart

Who locks down a roster spot? Who might start the year in the minors? And which players could surprise before Opening Day?

We break down the biggest battles and give our early predictions.

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