Cardinals Test Fans’ Patience Yet Again With Another Low-Impact First Base Move, Opt for Temporary Fix Over Bold Trade as Struggles Continue to Mount
*ST. LOUIS, MO – May 23, 2025* — The St. Louis Cardinals have once again left fans scratching their heads as the team announced yet another low-impact acquisition to address its ongoing first base woes. Rather than making a bold trade or pursuing a high-profile name, the front office has chosen to take a temporary, stopgap approach that critics say underscores the organization’s lack of urgency as the team’s struggles continue to pile up.
On Thursday, the Cardinals signed veteran journeyman David Cooper to a minor league deal, with the intent to bring him up as a platoon option at first base. Cooper, 36, hasn’t played a full MLB season in over three years and spent most of last year bouncing between Triple-A clubs. While the signing was framed by GM John Mozeliak as a “depth move with upside,” many fans and analysts view it as yet another example of the club’s risk-averse strategy amid an increasingly disappointing season.
The Cardinals currently sit fourth in the NL Central, with their offense ranked near the bottom of the league in runs scored. First base, traditionally a power position, has been particularly problematic. Paul Goldschmidt, a former MVP, has battled injuries and seen a steep decline in production, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the lineup. With no internal options standing out in the minors, many expected the Cardinals to swing a deal for a more impactful bat.
Names like Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Christian Walker have surfaced in trade rumors, but the Cardinals have remained hesitant, reportedly unwilling to part with top prospects or take on significant salary. This conservative approach has frustrated fans, who have watched rival teams make aggressive moves to stay competitive.
“This feels like déjà vu,” said longtime Cardinals fan Stephanie Rudd of St. Louis. “Every time we need a real answer, they bring in a Band-Aid. It’s like they’re more afraid of making a mistake than they are of losing.”
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak defended the move in a press conference, citing a desire to keep future flexibility intact. “We understand the concerns, but we’re not going to mortgage our future for a short-term fix. We believe David brings professionalism and experience, and he’ll help stabilize things in the short term.”
Still, critics argue the time for patience is long past. The Cardinals have missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, and with a core that includes aging stars and inconsistent youth, the window for contention may be closing faster than the front office is willing to admit.
“If this is the move that’s supposed to turn the season around, fans have every right to be frustrated,” said MLB Network analyst Ken Rosenthal. “The division is still within reach, but the margin for error is shrinking.”
As the Cardinals continue to slide and fan discontent grows louder, the question remains: how long can the team afford to wait before making a truly bold move? For now, all eyes will be on Cooper — and on a front office running out of ben
efit of the doubt.
