Milwaukee Brewers dominate the NL Central, finishing 19 games ahead of rivals St. Louis Cardinals, but can they keep the crown amid a changing division Chuck Freimund and JD Hafron highlight the Brewers’ strategic approach and the Cardinals’ pressing need for young, controllable pitching. Are big trades—including a possible Nolan Arenado move—on the horizon for St. Louis? Will Milwaukee’s reliance on bargain acquisitions and player development finally pay off in the postseason, or is a power bat at third base the missing piece?

Breakdowns center on the Cardinals’ farm system woes, Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker’s struggles, and how the upcoming offseason could reshape the division’s playoff picture. The conversation explores roster needs for both teams, the odds of the Cubs, Reds, and Pirates making a charge, and the looming impact of baseball’s winter meetings. Is Milwaukee’s formula sustainable, or will a new NL Central contender emerge in 2026?

00:00 Winter Meetings Anticipation Builds

04:25 Gorman, Walker Blocked by Arenado

07:47 "Cardinals' Strategy Shift Explained"

13:06 Cardinals Trade Rumors Intensify

16:58 Nolan Arenado: Still Elite Defender

19:01 Brewers Face Offseason Decisions

23:45 Cubs' Future and Schwarber's Destination

26:24 "Cardinals' Smart, Systematic Strategy"

28:14 "Cubs' Strategy and PCA Outlook"

34:03 Cardinals' Pitching Trade Hopes

34:57 Brewers' Quiet Offseason Prediction

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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
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St. Louis Cardinals solidify their future by protecting top prospects ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. Leonardo Bernal (MLB Pipeline Top 100 catcher), Joshua Baez (power-speed outfielder), Cooper Hjerpe, and Brycen Mautz (promising left-handed pitchers) earn coveted spots on the 40-man roster. Can this new wave of talent ignite a turnaround and set Cardinals fans abuzz?

00:00 Rule 5 Draft Process Explained

04:22 Leonardo Bernal: Rising Catcher Star

08:09 Joshua Baez Breakout & Outfield Depth

11:27 Hjerpe's Recovery and MLB Aspirations

15:51 Pitcher Profile: Versatile Arsenal

18:05 Cardinals' Unprotected Players Spotlight

20:37 Angels Trade Ward for Rodriguez

24:19 Cardinals Trade Arenado Speculation

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St. Louis Cardinals fans have big reasons to celebrate: top prospect J.J. Wetherholt earns Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year honors and could crack the Opening Day lineup by 2026. Is Wetherholt the future superstar that will ignite Cardinals Nation and reverse recent disappointment? Host JD Hafron examines Wetherholt’s impact, offensive stats, winning mentality, and the potential infield shakeup alongside Nolan Gorman and Masyn Win.

Meanwhile, pitcher Brycen Mautz garners Cardinals' Pitcher of the Year recognition, giving the Cardinals rotation new hope for depth and reliability. With Sonny Gray trade rumors swirling and roster uncertainty looming, can Motts and fellow young arms like Quinn Mathews rise to the occasion? Also featured: key changes to the Winter Warm Up and the Cardinals Caravan schedule, plus fan engagement opportunities for the upcoming season.

00:00 "Locked On Cardinals Podcast"

03:34 "JD Drew Comparison"

07:14 "Wetherholt Strives for MLB Spot"

12:45 "Top Lefty Wins Pitcher Award"

15:21 "Cardinals Rotation and Outlook"

18:28 "Brycen’s Path: Overcoming Adversity"

21:29 "Cardinals Winter Warm-Up Returns"

24:18 Cardinals Warm-Up & Caravan

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