BREAKING NEWS: Bill DeWitt Jr. Stands Firm on Oliver Marmol as Cardinals Manager Amid Fan Backlash
**ST. LOUIS, MO – November 14, 2025** – In a defiant stance against growing discontent, St. Louis Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. announced today that he is retaining manager Oliver “Oli” Marmol for the 2026 season, the final year of his current contract. The decision, revealed in a press release from the team’s front office, comes amid swirling rumors of a potential shakeup following the Cardinals’ underwhelming 78-84 record in 2025, marking their third consecutive year missing the playoffs. DeWitt’s reversal—after initial reports suggested he might reconsider Marmol’s role—has ignited fierce backlash from fans who have long called for change.
DeWitt, who has owned the Cardinals since 1995, emphasized stability in his statement: “Oli has shown tremendous growth and dedication to this organization. With Chaim Bloom now at the helm of baseball operations, we believe this leadership duo will steer us back to contention. Knee-jerk reactions aren’t the Cardinal Way.” This echoes sentiments from Bloom’s earlier confirmation in October, where he affirmed Marmol’s return, highlighting the manager’s role in developing young talent despite recent struggles.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for Marmol, now in his fourth year as manager. Appointed in 2022 at age 35, making him one of MLB’s youngest skippers, Marmol led the team to a 93-win campaign and an NL Central title in his debut season. However, the subsequent years have been marred by inconsistency: a dismal 71-91 in 2023, a slight rebound to 83-79 in 2024, and another step back in 2025. Critics point to questionable in-game decisions, such as bullpen management and lineup choices, as key factors in the team’s failures. Marmol’s overall record stands at 325-337, a .491 winning percentage that has fueled demands for his ouster.
Fan frustration boiled over on social media platforms following the announcement. X (formerly Twitter) was ablaze with hashtags like #FireMarmol and #DeWittOut. One viral post read: “DeWitt is delusional if he thinks Marmol is the answer. We’ve wasted prime years of Arenado and Goldschmidt!” Another lamented, “Bring back Yadi! At least he knows how to win in St. Louis.” Indeed, speculation had swirled about franchise icon Yadier Molina as a potential replacement. Molina, who retired in 2022 after 19 seasons with the Cardinals, has expressed interest in managing. Reports indicate DeWitt rejected advances from Molina, citing the existing coaching staff’s cohesion under Marmol. DeWitt explained three key reasons for his decision: Marmol’s strong rapport with players, his success in player development (evidenced by prospects like Masyn Winn’s Gold Glove win), and the need for continuity during Bloom’s transitional phase.
Bloom, hired in late September 2025 after a stint with the Boston Red Sox, is tasked with revamping the roster. Sources suggest the focus will be on a youth movement, bolstering the farm system, and addressing pitching woes. Marmol’s evaluation in 2026 may shift away from pure wins and losses, prioritizing metrics like player growth and team culture, according to recent insights. This approach draws parallels to DeWitt’s past patience; he backed former manager Mike Matheny through slumps before firing him in 2018 for “lack of leadership.”
DeWitt’s family legacy adds another layer. His son, Bill DeWitt III, has taken on more operational roles, but the elder DeWitt remains the final decision-maker. Critics argue the ownership’s frugality—St. Louis ranked 11th in payroll in 2025—has hindered competitiveness in the NL Central, where rivals like the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs have surged.
As the offseason unfolds, the Cardinals face pivotal moves: re-signing key free agents, trading aging stars like Nolan Arenado, and integrating top prospects. Marmol’s fate could still hinge on early 2026 results, but for now, DeWitt’s firm support signals a bet on redemption rather than revolution. Fans, however, remain skeptical, with some vowing to boycott games until changes occur. In a city synonymous with baseball excellence—boasting 11 World Series titles—the pressure is on to restore the Redbirds’ glory. Will Marmol rise to the occasion, or will this decision haunt DeWitt? Only time will tell. #STLCards #BirdsOnTheBat
