Scott Plaza is joined by Jake Wood of Viva El Birdos to break down the blockbuster trade sending Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks. We discuss the $26 million cash swap, the return of Jack Martinez, and why Chaim Bloom finally hit the "reset" button on the veteran core.

We also dive into the fallout for the rest of the roster:

• The Winners: Who takes over at third base? Weatherholt, Gorman, or Saggese?
• The Rumors: Is Brendan Donovan the next to go? Analyzing the Giants' aggressive pursuit.
• The Rankings: Ivan Herrera cracks the MLB Top 100—is he a catcher or a future DH?

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Chaim Bloom promised a transition this offseason and kicked things off with an early trade of Sonny Gray. Things then hit a standstill until Christmas, when Bloom came out of nowhere and convinced Willson Contreras to waive his no-trade clause in another deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Now, we head into 2026 with Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado still on the roster and clogging up the infield. The trade chatter has been slow since the holidays and the trickle down effect is real on the rest of the Cardinals' roster.

Scott brought on guests Aidan Gray of Redbirds on the Arch and returner DeWallet Inspector to discuss if that feeling is an overreaction or deserved.

Make sure you like, follow, and support everyone that makes this podcast possible:

Interstate 70 Sports Media: Facebook, YouTube

Baseball Banter Broadcast: YouTube

Aidan Gray: Twitter, Redbirds on the Arch Podcast

DeWallet Inspector: Twitter

Can's Can Ministry: Twitter

ShankIt Golf Link:

https://www.shankitgolf.com/MrPlaztastic

Scott has returning guests and fellow teachers Matt Smith and Thomas Gauvain on to hand out our grades for the St. Louis Cardinals before we head to winter break. The trio grades Chaim Bloom and Co on their trade market performance, their ability to attract some free agents, and how well they have managed the public view of the organization. Finally, we give the team something to work on before coming back to work.

Make sure you like, follow, and support everyone that makes this podcast possible:

Interstate 70 Sports Media: Facebook, YouTube

Baseball Banter Broadcast: YouTube

Thomas Gauvain: Twitter, Redbird Rants

Matt Smith: Twitter, Redbird Rundown Podcast

ShankIt Golf Link:

https://www.shankitgolf.com/MrPlaztastic

The St. Louis Cardinals failed to make any trades at the 2025 Winter Meetings, but should have some solid groundwork for future deals. Scott talks rumors, the Rule 5 Draft, and wraps up with some Cardinals tidbits from St. Louis media.

Chaim Bloom made his mark on the Cardinals organization as he dealt starter Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. With the sell off in full force, what other moves could Bloom be looking to make?

Scott comes back after the World Series to catch everyone up on the start of the MLB offseason. Ranging from roster additions and trade rumors, Scott has the latest on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Major League pitcher Ryan Loutos joins Scott and Nate to talk about his time with the Cardinals, Dodgers, and Nationals. Ryan dives into his offseason, his pitching progression, and his time helping to develop an app for the Cardinals.

Check out the video version on YouTube.

Nate Schwartz of Pitcher List and Tyler Zumwalt from Redbirds on the Arch join Scott Plaza as they answer questions submitted Twitter. The three discuss trade candidates, free agent targets, and dream interviews before finishing with celebrity shoutouts.

Nate Schwartz: Twitter/Pitcher List

Tyler Zumwalt: Twitter/Redbirds on the Arch