The St. Louis Cardinals are nearing the end of a disappointing season, with postseason hopes all but extinguished. Trailing by 4.5 games for the final National League Wild Card spot and only a few series left on the schedule, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that they’ll make a late push. As a result, fans are already shifting their focus to what promises to be a pivotal offseason.

The club is expected to undergo some key changes, starting at the top. One of the biggest headlines is the hiring of Chaim Bloom as the Cardinals’ new President of Baseball Operations. Bloom, who was previously with the Boston Red Sox, steps into a high-pressure situation with a roster that has underperformed and a fan base demanding direction and urgency.

Bloom’s to-do list is extensive. He must reshape a team that was once a perennial contender but has fallen into mediocrity. Free agency and potential trades will be critical avenues for him to address needs — and few areas are as pressing as the starting rotation, which has struggled mightily this season.

One interesting proposal gaining traction is a potential reunion with former Cardinals first-round pick Jack Flaherty. As highlighted by Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell, Flaherty could be a low-risk, high-upside option for a rotation in flux. With Miles Mikolas expected to leave in free agency and rumors swirling about a potential Sonny Gray trade, there’s a real need for veteran pitching help.

Flaherty, who was selected by St. Louis in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cardinals before being traded. He’s currently with the Detroit Tigers, where he has a player opt-out clause after this season — giving him the flexibility to hit the open market and potentially return to familiar territory.

Despite an up-and-down career impacted by injuries, Flaherty remains a compelling target for the Cardinals. He has shown flashes of dominance, particularly in 2019, and at just 29 years old, still has time to revive his career. He would not command the same salary as a top-tier ace, making him a more affordable option for a team trying to balance payroll concerns.

Reuniting with Flaherty wouldn’t just be about nostalgia — it could also bring stability to a rotation in transition. He understands the St. Louis culture, is familiar with the coaching staff, and could benefit from a return to a more supportive and structured environment. With the right incentives, a deal could make sense for both sides.

As the Cardinals look to retool rather than rebuild, adding reliable veteran arms will be crucial. Bloom will be under immediate pressure to deliver smart, strategic acquisitions. Bringing back Jack Flaherty could be the kind of savvy move that helps reset the tone in St. Louis — without breaking the bank.