The St. Louis Cardinals are preparing for a busy offseason as they look to make significant changes to their major-league club. However, they cannot officially begin until free agency opens, which occurs five days after the World Series ends. Despite this, the team is already taking steps to address their coaching staff and front office, signaling that changes are on the horizon.
The first significant changes to the coaching staff involve the departures and arrivals of key figures. Long-time coach and Cardinals Hall of Famer Willie McGee will step down from his coaching role and take on a new position in the front office as an advisor. McGee was a beloved figure in St. Louis, having played 13 seasons with the team and achieving notable accomplishments, including a .294 batting average, 301 stolen bases, and a National League MVP award in 1985.
In McGee’s place, the Cardinals are bringing in former player Jon Jay, a 2011 World Series champion with the team. Jay, known for his role in the team’s dramatic Game 6 comeback in the 2011 World Series, brings both a solid playing history and an understanding of the team’s culture. Throughout his six seasons with the Cardinals, Jay posted a .287/.354/.384 batting line and contributed significantly to the team’s success.
In addition to these changes on the coaching staff, the Cardinals are also planning more moves in the coming weeks. The team is expected to hire a new hitting coach to address the team’s offensive performance, an area that has been a point of concern in recent years. The Cardinals are also closing in on naming a new assistant general manager, who will be responsible for overhauling the player development system in the minor leagues, signaling a shift in the team’s long-term strategy.
The changes, including McGee’s departure from the dugout and Jay’s arrival, represent a shift in the Cardinals’ approach as they try to get back to championship contention. While it will be strange not to see McGee in the dugout, his legacy within the organization is secure, and the Cardinals are hopeful that the new hires will help bring the team back to prominence, starting with a more focused and improved coaching staff.
