Baseball Insider Buster Olney breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Chaim Bloom
The St. Louis Cardinals’ future is getting a serious shake-up — and it’s not just about the young talent already on the roster. It’s also about the person who acquires that talent. And starting in 2026, that will be squarely on the shoulders Chaim Bloom. Baseball Insider Buster Olney weighs in on what to expect from Bloom including some problematic behaviors that have plagued the Cardinals Exec in the past.
Brendan Donovan, Iván Herrera, and a growing wave of prospects have fans feeling optimistic. But the biggest move is happening in the front office. Chaim Bloom will replace John Mozeliak as president of baseball operations (POBO) this offseason.
ESPN’s Buster Olney joined 101 ESPN’s BK and Ferrario to break down what Bloom brings to the table — the strengths, the weaknesses, and the question marks heading into his St. Louis tenure.
Olney noted that while Bloom has a reputation as an elite evaluator of young talent. Which is something the Cardinals badly need after seeing players like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker struggle to gain traction. Bloom has also faced criticism in Boston. Some within the Red Sox front office felt he wasn’t inclusive enough in decision-making. Rival executives perceived him as overly cautious at the trade table.
Analysis Paralysis
“He would sometimes agonize over trades to the point of paralysis,” Olney said, contrasting Bloom with executives like Dave Dombrowski, Jerry Dipoto, and A.J. Preller, who are willing to make big, risky moves without overthinking them. “I’m curious to see how he evolves as he takes over the Cardinals.”
That cautious approach could cut both ways. On the plus side, Bloom’s proven knack for scouting, drafting, and developing talent is exactly what the Cardinals need to craft a long-term contender. On the other, there are moments in baseball when a franchise has to push all its chips in — and Bloom hasn’t yet proven he’s willing to go for broke.
For now, the Cardinals are betting Bloom can grow from his Boston experience, refine his decision-making, and pair his player-development skills with just enough boldness to bring winning baseball back to Busch Stadium.
