Adding Veteran Catcher Could Be the Key to Solving Cardinals’ Lineup Issues
As strange as it sounds, one of the most effective ways for the St. Louis Cardinals to resolve their ongoing catcher dilemma—and gain broader roster clarity—could be by acquiring an established star at the position.
Though catcher didn’t appear to be a pressing need for the Cardinals, changing dynamics within the organization have shifted that perspective. Ivan Herrera seems to be gradually transitioning away from the catcher role, and the team’s remaining options—Pedro Pages and Yohel Pozo—come with significant questions about their long-term viability. Their catching prospects, while promising, are unproven and still developing. And Willson Contreras is no longer part of the catching equation.
That’s where a potential trade for a high-impact catcher, like Atlanta’s Sean Murphy, could make a massive difference. Murphy wouldn’t just stabilize the catcher spot, but also inject much-needed right-handed power into a lineup that has struggled against left-handed pitching. It’s a move that could benefit both the short and long term, bringing definition to other positions and helping untangle a roster in flux.
The Cardinals have shown interest in Murphy before, notably during the 2022–2023 offseason. While the asking price at that time was steep—reportedly involving Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and a top pitching prospect—the present circumstances may warrant revisiting the idea. Murphy remains an elite defender with a powerful bat, and his current production (.828 OPS, 15 home runs in just 57 games) would immediately rank among the best on the Cardinals roster.
Historically, the catcher position has been unstable since Yadier Molina’s retirement. The team cycled through Contreras, Herrera, Knizner, and now Pages—with no clear long-term answer. Even this year, while Herrera continues to produce offensively, his defense has been inconsistent. Pages, meanwhile, has regressed at the plate despite gaining trust behind the dish.
At this point, the Cardinals have multiple catchers—but arguably no clear future at the position. Prospects like Jimmy Crooks, Leonardo Bernal, and Rainiel Rodriguez may eventually emerge, but there’s no guarantee. And with most teams now using a two-catcher system, relying on future potential alone is risky.
Bringing in a veteran like Murphy would not only offer reliability, but also allow the club to reshuffle other roles. Herrera could fully commit to becoming a designated hitter or corner outfielder, possibly making another outfielder like Nootbaar or Burleson expendable for pitching depth. The domino effect of such a trade could bring structure to a roster that’s been filled with uncertainty.
In the immediate future, Murphy would also be a clear offensive upgrade, especially against left-handers—an area where the Cardinals currently lack firepower. His career and current season splits show he excels against southpaws, and his numbers would place him near the top of several offensive categories on the team.
In the long run, such a move could provide the foundation for a more stable, productive roster. While the trade cost wouldn’t be light, the value Murphy offers on both sides of the ball may be exactly what the Cardinals need to fix multiple issues at once.
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