2 ramifications of St. Louis Cardinals' Gary LaRocque retiring

John Mozeliak could now step down this offseason from the President of Baseball Operations role

John Mozeliak is the second-longest tenured head of baseball operations in the sport behind only Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees. Under his leadership, the team has seen a decade and a half of consistent contention and a World Series title to boot. The Cardinals have won the division six times along with two National League Pennants. While the last few years haven't featured the usual postseason success we as fans are accustomed to, the teams under John Mozeliak's leadership have still seen ample success.

However, his time at the helm is coming to a close. His contract is up at the end of 2025, and while it's been assumed by some fans that he would retire after 2024 due to lackluster output, Mo intends on finishing the length of his contract. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mozeliak will "create a clear plan where other voices grow in influence and volume over the coming offseason and season."

This is a bit of a vague quote, as no concrete plans are shown within. This could mean that he allows lower executives like Matt Slater and Jeremy Cohen to have larger roles. It could also indicate a desire to move executives into new and more prominent roles.

One bold assumption would be that Mozeliak himself will step down to a lesser role. While a new President of Baseball Operations won't be named in title this offseason, one in purpose and action might be knighted. With this plan, Mozeliak can still be the face of the position while sharing tasks with and mentoring a budding executive who will eventually supplant him as POBO in the future.

The list of people who could fill Mozeliak's shoes come 2025 is long, but some in-house executives who will receive a shot include Chaim Bloom, Randy Flores, and Mike Girsch. Each of these men has proven themselves at the highest levels of executives, and their times to see a promotion are likely overdue.

While it's probable John Mozeliak remains in his role as President of Baseball Operations, Gary LaRocque's decision to retire early may have an effect on the Cardinals' long-term head of baseball operations.