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Following the departure of hitting coach Brant Brown, Chaim Bloom and the St. Louis Cardinals front office face a pivotal decision as they shape the organization’s offensive philosophy. After struggling near the bottom of several Major League statistical categories in 2026, the Cardinals are seeking a unified coaching voice capable of maximizing a core composed of young talents like Jordan Walker, Masyn Winn, and Alec Burleson.
Whether the organization opts to promote familiar internal staff or recruit external tactical minds, several compelling candidates stand out for the role.
The Internal Candidates: Continuity and Modern Analytics
Promoting from within offers seamless continuity and preserves existing working relationships established during player development in the minor leagues.
Casey Chenoweth
Current Role: Assistant Hitting Coach, St. Louis Cardinals
Chenoweth has quickly emerged as a top candidate following his work within the organization. With a modern development background incorporating certifications in biomechanics and tracking technology (such as Driveline, Rapsodo, and OnBase), Chenoweth earned praise for his hands-on work with Jordan Walker during Walker’s offensive turnaround. His deep understanding of the club’s young core makes him a natural fit to step into the lead position.
Brandon Allen
Current Role: Assistant Hitting Coach, St. Louis Cardinals
A former Major League corner infielder, Allen brings four seasons of experience as an assistant hitting coach on the Cardinals’ Big League bench. Allen provides a balanced perspective, combining his firsthand experience as a professional hitter with analytical adjustments. His long-standing rapport with the current roster offers stability during an organizational transition.
Dalton Hurd
Current Role: Minor League Hitting Coordinator / Instructor, St. Louis Cardinals
Hurd joined the organization after gaining experience across multiple MLB organizations and private hitting facilities. Known for his focus on approach, swing metrics, and pitch-tracking analytics, Hurd represents a forward-thinking internal option if the front office seeks a complete overhaul of the organization’s hitting methodology from top to bottom.
External Candidates: Established Philosophy and Proven Track Records
Bringing in an external voice could accelerate the offense’s modernization, particularly with leaders who share history alongside Chaim Bloom.
Peter Fatse
Background: Former Hitting Coach, Boston Red Sox
Fatse spent multiple seasons directing Boston’s offensive game planning after being brought into the organization by Chaim Bloom. Under his guidance, the Red Sox consistently ranked among the league’s top offenses in extra-base hits and team OPS. Fatse’s familiar working relationship with Bloom and his expertise in driving power production make him one of the most logical external targets.
Will Bradley
Background: Assistant Hitting Coach for the Tampa Bay Rays
Bradley is widely regarded across the industry for his mechanical analysis and swing-plane adjustments. Focused on strike-zone discipline and contact quality, Bradley offers a structured framework that could help stabilize a young lineup prone to inconsistent execution.
Howie Clark
Background: Former Major League Assistant Hitting Coach & Minor League Coordinator
Clark brings extensive coaching experience, having served with the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and in various player development roles. His reputation for clear communication and tailored game-planning makes him a strong candidate to manage the daily preparation required at the Major League level.
Matt Borgschulte
Background: Co-Hitting Coach / Assistant Hitting Coach, Baltimore Orioles / Minnesota Twins
A St. Louis-area native, Borgschulte helped build one of baseball’s most potent modern offenses in Baltimore before continuing his work at the Major League level. Borgschulte’s emphasis on selective aggressiveness, barrel accuracy, and launch-angle integrity aligns directly with modern run-creation goals.
Wildcards & Franchise Legends
Ryan Ludwick
Role: Special Assistant / Hitting Advisor
A key contributor to the Cardinals’ 2008 offensive attack as an All-Star and Silver Slugger, Ludwick has spent time in player development roles within the organization. Ludwick brings immediate credibility in the clubhouse, combining a traditional mindset regarding plate approach with a clear understanding of the mental demands of playing in St. Louis.
Albert Pujols
Role: Future Hall of Famer / MLB Special Assistant
While Pujols is frequently mentioned in connection with managerial or high-level organizational roles, his elite understanding of hitting mechanics and game strategy remains unmatched. While a full-time, 162-game hitting coach travel schedule may not align with his immediate plans, any formal advisory or mentorship role involving Pujols would deliver immediate dividends to the club’s young hitters.
Outlook
The Cardinals’ choice will signal the broader strategy of the front office under Chaim Bloom. Selecting an internal candidate like Casey Chenoweth would reward recent player-development progress and maintain continuity. Conversely, bringing in an established strategist like Peter Fatse would mark a clear break toward a new offensive system. Regardless of the direction, establishing clarity and consistency at the plate remains a primary objective for the franchise moving forward.
