The St. Louis Cardinals chances of reaching the postseason in 2024 are slim. In all likelihood, they will experience a second consecutive October on the outside looking in.
However, there may be a slight changing of the guard within the front office. On Friday, the team announced that a longtime executive will be retiring at season's end.
"Gary LaRocque, Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development will retire at the conclusion of the 2024 season." the Cardinals tweeted. "He will remain with the organization in 2025 in an advisory role."
LaRocque has had a long career in Major League Baseball. He joined the Cardinals organization in 2008 and ultimately oversaw the team's farm system for 12 years. That is the second-longest tenure in Cardinals history behind legendary executive Branch Rickey.
LaRocque has ultimately spent 49 years in the game of baseball. But this change may ultimately start a chain reaction for the Cardinals. More could occur between now and the offseason as the Cardinals look to undergo a bit of a transition.
St. Louis finished 71-91 last season and sunk to last place in the National League Central. They sit in third place in the NL Central this season with a record of 71-70.
It's very possible that things will look very different for the Cardinals in 2025 in terms of the front office and coaching staff. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens next after LaRocque's retirement.
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