ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol will be returning for the final year of his contract next season, as confirmed by president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom during a press conference Tuesday morning. This decision comes after Marmol’s fourth season at the helm, where he led the team to a record of 78-84.
Despite the losing record, Marmol’s return was anticipated. The Cardinals had stated their intention to focus on player development over immediate wins at the outset of the season, a strategy that aligns with the recent transition in the front office following former president of baseball operations John Mozeliak’s announcement to depart at the end of the 2025 season.
Marmol’s position was under review due to the changes within the front office, prompting speculation whether Bloom would opt for a different managerial candidate. However, as the season progressed, it became evident that Marmol would not be replaced.
In a season marked by a challenging roster with only one free agent acquisition and a sell-off at the trade deadline, the Cardinals displayed resilience, managing to stay competitive until the last series of the season before their postseason chances evaporated.
In recent days, several teams have made managerial announcements, highlighting the volatility within the league. The San Francisco Giants parted ways with Bob Melvin, while the Minnesota Twins announced Rocco Baldelli’s departure. On the other hand, Bruce Bochy will not return to the Texas Rangers, who have notably been considering candidates for his replacement.
In an unexpected move, the Pittsburgh Pirates extended Don Kelly’s interim management agreement after Derek Shelton’s firing earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Carlos Mendoza will remain with the New York Mets following a disappointing season that culminated in their elimination from playoff contention on the final day.
Other teams with interim managers include the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, and Colorado Rockies, raising questions about their long-term plans. As for the Atlanta Braves, Brian Snitker has yet to announce his intentions for 2026, while Ron Washington expressed his desire to return as the leader of the Los Angeles Angels after recovering from surgery.
The Rangers’ mutual parting with Bochy on Monday marks the end of an era for the veteran manager, who celebrated three World Series titles with the Giants between 2010 and 2014. Speculation suggests he could be looking to reunite with Buster Posey, the Giants’ president of baseball operations, in a new role. Additionally, former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker is noted as a strong candidate for an upcoming managerial position within the industry.
The Cardinals are set to finalize Marmol’s coaching staff for the upcoming season in the coming weeks, as the organization looks to build on their developmental strategy while remaining competitive.