Cardinals Lose Player to Retirement After 5 Seasons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 3:40 PM ET

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a clear period of transition as new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom begins reshaping the organization according to his long-term vision.

This offseason has already featured the departures of several franchise staples, with first baseman Willson Contreras, third baseman Nolan Arenado and right-hander Sonny Gray all being moved in trades. The result is a dramatically different roster heading into 2026, and more changes could still be coming.

Bloom continues to evaluate the 40-man roster, and multiple players remain candidates to be dealt before Opening Day.

All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan and outfielder Lars Nootbaar are among the names frequently mentioned, largely because their timelines do not align with the club’s current direction.

Both hold considerable value on the trade market, and moving them could accelerate the organization’s efforts to replenish its prospect depth.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli MarmolRafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Given the shift in priorities, St. Louis is not expected to contend next season. The focus has turned toward restocking the farm system and positioning the franchise for a more competitive window in the years ahead.

However, one minor-league player who potentially could have been impactful has decided to retire.

According to MiLB transaction logs, utility infielder Jacob Buchberger retired from baseball earlier this week. The 28-year-old spent his entire five-year professional career in the Cardinals’ minor-league system.

Buchberger was known throughout the system for his versatility, occasional power and steady contact skills, traits that allowed him to contribute at multiple infield spots.

He was never ranked among the organization’s top prospects, yet his experience and reliability kept him in consideration as a potential late bloomer.

Although he never reached Triple-A, he showed meaningful progress last season at the Double-A level.

That stretch included a strong offensive surge in which he hit .300 with a .417 on-base percentage and .917 OPS, offering a glimpse of what might have been had he continued his career.

His retirement is a small moment within a larger organizational reset, yet it underscores how much change has swept through the Cardinals as they shift toward a long-term rebuild.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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