JUPITER, FL – – As the St. Louis Cardinals navigate the early stages of Spring Training, a seemingly small moment – a simple offer of coffee – offers a glimpse into the team’s evolving dynamic. A recent TikTok video posted by the Cardinals (@cardinals) shows Iván Herrera being offered coffee by a coach, Jamie Pogue, during catchers practice. While seemingly innocuous, the gesture highlights the mentorship and leadership taking shape within the Cardinals’ ranks.
The video, captioned “Coffee is on Iván ☕️ #baseball #mlb #cardinals #springtraining,” underscores a key theme emerging from the Cardinals’ camp: the development of young players and the role of veteran leadership. The Cardinals’ roster is undergoing a transition, and the emergence of players like Herrera is crucial to their future success. The team’s need for Herrera’s development is further emphasized by recent news regarding injuries within the organization.
Dustin May, recently acquired by the Cardinals, is already stepping into a leadership role, despite being only 28 years old. As reported by MLB.com, May is described as feeling like a “grandfather” amongst the Cardinals’ youthful starting rotation, which doesn’t feature a pitcher older than 28. This unexpected mentorship role speaks to May’s maturity and experience, and his willingness to guide the next generation of Cardinals pitchers. The Cardinals are relying on May to not only perform on the mound but also to provide stability and guidance to a relatively inexperienced pitching staff.
The Cardinals’ Spring Training schedule is already underway. On , they will host the Washington Nationals at 1:05 PM. Tickets are currently available, with prices starting at $20. The schedule continues with a road game against the Houston Astros on , followed by a home game against the Miami Marlins on . The team faces a demanding schedule throughout March, including multiple games against the Nationals, Marlins, and Astros, as well as matchups against the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Beyond the on-field schedule, the Cardinals are also navigating several key storylines. Sports Illustrated reports that is a “make-or-break year” for two Cardinals sluggers, whose long-term futures with the team depend on their performance at the plate. The article also details an injury setback for a prospect acquired in the trade that sent Sonny Gray to another team, raising concerns about the player’s development and potential impact this season. The Cardinals are reportedly evaluating the impact of a recent $12.5 million offseason signing, which has drawn criticism from some fans and analysts.
The injury situation is particularly noteworthy. Lars Nootbaar’s injury status is being closely monitored, as his return to the field is considered crucial for the Cardinals’ offensive lineup. Riley O’Brien is also dealing with a calf injury, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s pitching depth. These injuries highlight the importance of having a strong and versatile roster, capable of weathering unforeseen challenges.
The Boston Red Sox’s assessment of a player acquired from the Cardinals also adds an intriguing subplot. According to Alex Cora, the Red Sox believe they’ve found a valuable veteran piece in that trade, suggesting the Cardinals may have strategically positioned themselves to address their own needs while also providing value to other teams. This demonstrates a proactive approach to roster management by the Cardinals’ front office.
The Cardinals’ Spring Training camp is also showcasing some lesser-known players who are making a strong impression. Sports Illustrated highlights a little-known slugger who is already attracting attention, suggesting the team may have uncovered a hidden gem. This underscores the importance of Spring Training as an opportunity for players to showcase their talent and compete for roster spots.
The seemingly simple act of offering coffee, captured in the TikTok video, is emblematic of the Cardinals’ current focus: fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where young players can thrive under the guidance of experienced veterans. As the Cardinals prepare for the 2026 season, the development of players like Iván Herrera, coupled with the leadership of players like Dustin May, will be critical to their success. The team’s Spring Training schedule provides ample opportunity to assess their progress and fine-tune their strategies as they aim to contend in a highly competitive National League.
The Cardinals’ Spring Training schedule continues with a busy stretch of games, offering fans a chance to see the team in action and assess their potential for the upcoming season. The team’s performance in Spring Training will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, but the underlying theme remains consistent: building a strong foundation for long-term success through player development and strategic roster management.
