The St. Louis Cardinals face a significant setback as catcher Ivan Herrera has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a hamstring tear. This season, Herrera was a key component in the lineup, boasting a .320 batting average and .533 slugging percentage across 171 plate appearances with eight home runs and 36 RBIs. Thomas Saggese has been called up from Triple-A Memphis to fill the void, following a successful stint earlier in the season where he hit .341 over 14 games.

With Herrera sidelined, the catching duties will be split between Pedro Pages and Yohel Pozo, while Nolan Gorman and Alec Burleson could see increased time at designated hitter. This adjustment comes as the Cardinals are fighting for position in the NL Central, currently trailing the Chicago Cubs and tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for second place.

Brendan Donovan's status remains uncertain as the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 28-year-old infielder is recovering from a left big toe injury but is reportedly feeling better. Manager Oli Marmol stated that Donovan will attempt to move around and play catch on Thursday, with a potential return to the lineup hinging on Friday's batting practice. This season, Donovan has been a standout performer, leading the team with a .310 batting average, 77 hits, and 26 RBIs.

In Donovan's absence, Nolan Gorman has stepped up significantly, boasting a .389 batting average over the past week with two home runs and five RBIs. Should Donovan require a 10-day IL stint, Thomas Saggese may be recalled after a solid stint in Triple-A, where he hit .341 with a home run earlier this season. The Cardinals are in a tight race in the NL Central with the Brewers just half a game behind.

Recent evaluations highlight the St. Louis Cardinals' renewed strength in their farm system, which has improved significantly under the guidance of Chaim Bloom, previously instrumental in developing the Boston Red Sox's talent pipeline. The Cardinals' top ten prospects for the 2025 season reflect a mix of intriguing talent that could contribute to the franchise's future success.

Cooper Hjerpe, a left-handed pitcher, showcases potential but battles injury challenges, while Michael McGreevy demonstrates reliability after strong performances in both the minors and the majors. Tekoah Roby offers high velocity but has struggled with health, and Chase Davis shows promise as an outfield prospect capable of offensive production. Jimmy Crooks III, an impressive catcher, boasts strong contact and power numbers, while 17-year-old Yairo Padilla looks to make a name for himself with his contact skills and speed.

Thomas Saggese's rise to the big leagues appears imminent, and Tink Hence's ability to miss bats increases his potential, despite needing to prove his durability. Quinn Mathews has gained recognition for his strikeout ability across various levels, and JJ Wetherholt, a standout infielder, is poised to showcase his elite contact skills and power potential once he returns from injury.

The St. Louis Cardinals concluded the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. As they enter a rebuilding phase, the Cardinals are shifting their strategy from acquiring new players to trading away veterans and focusing on youth development.

Tim Kelly from Bleacher Report highlighted that the Cardinals are in the bottom tier of teams for offseason spending, indicating a significant shift in their approach. Key veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Kyle Gibson are expected to leave in free agency, while others such as Ryan Helsley and Nolan Arenado might be traded.

With a focus on player development, younger players like Thomas Saggese, Nolan Gorman, Ivan Herrera, and Victor Scott II are anticipated to see increased playing time. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for the Cardinals as they prioritize their future.

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase after consecutive postseason misses, focusing on their young talent rather than acquiring new players.

While Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras are expected to remain with the team, trading utility player Brendan Donovan could yield significant returns. However, given Donovan's importance to the Cardinals' future, a trade seems unlikely as the team aims to strengthen its core.