4 Red Sox connections that could join the Cardinals if Chaim Bloom takes over

The Red Sox are a team that has had the Cardinals' number in the World Series the past two times they've met on the big stage. Back in 2004, the Red Sox broke their curse by sweeping the Cardinals in the World Series in what may have been one of the worst Fall Classic displays in Cardinals history. Nine years later, Boston was at it again and they knocked out the Cardinals in six games.

At the same time, the Cardinals and Red Sox have made some deals with each other. The most recent ones include the Tyler O'Neill trade from last offseason and the John Lackey trade from a decade ago. There have also been plenty of other players who have played for both franchises, including Joe Kelly, Allen Craig, Jon Lester, and even Cardinals legend Willie McGee.

The most recent Red Sox connection to join the Cardinals is Chaim Bloom. He served as Boston's chief baseball officer from 2020-23 before being added to the St. Louis front office last winter. Based on recent comments from John Mozeliak, Bloom appears to be the heir apparent and may take over as president of baseball operations sooner rather than later.

If that's the case, then Bloom may recruit a few Red Sox connections to join the Cardinals in the offseason. Whether it's players or coaches, there are a few people with Red Sox ties that may find their way to St. Louis. Here are three players and one manager that could join the Cardinals this winter.

1. Alex Cora

Because the Cardinals are playing well right now, Oli Marmol has briefly been taken off the chopping block. He's done a much better job this season and still has the trust of the clubhouse. But if the Cardinals regress again and ultimately miss the playoffs, some changes could be considered, and another managerial option could emerge.

Depending on what happens with the Red Sox, Alex Cora, who led them to a title in 2018 could become available, and personally, I would love to see him manage the Cardinals. He actually briefly spent time in the organization in 2012 when they signed him to a minor league deal, so it's not like he doesn't have any Cardinals ties.

Of course, this won't and shouldn't be considered if the Cardinals make the playoffs and have a deep run. But Cora is another guy who would instantly have the respect of the clubhouse. He's also truly a player's manager, and in some ways reminds me of Mike Shildt. But I don't think this is out of the realm of possibility, especially if the Cardinals remain stuck in the middle.

2. J.D. Martinez

This offseason, the Cardinals are going to have to address their offense, and in all likelihood, Paul Goldschmidt will not be back. This means that somebody like Alec Burleson, Brendan Donovan, or Jordan Walker will take over at first base. But they'll need an extra right-handed bat to compensate for the imminent loss of Goldschmidt.

This is where J.D. Martinez comes into play. He's got power and would serve exclusively as a designated hitter. Also, because he is late in his career, he likely won't be given a deal for more than two years. He's somebody I wanted the Cardinals to target after the 2022 season when they lost Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.

Now, they have a chance of adding a slugger to their mix that will almost certainly give them the offensive boost they need to score more runs in 2025. He served as Boston's DH from 2018-22 and was on hand for Bloom's first few years at the helm, so it's always possible that Bloom could recruit him to St. Louis if he takes over for Mozeliak.

3. Nathan Eovaldi

As has been the case for the past several years, the Cardinals will need to address their rotation as well. Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn will be free agents, and whatever starter they pick up this year at the deadline likely won't be more than a rental.

Nathan Eovaldi is unlikely to hit his vesting option for the 2025 season with the Rangers. He was a postseason hero for the Red Sox back in 2018 and he also played in Boston while Bloom was chief baseball officer. The Cardinals have Sonny Gray as their ace, but they're going to need a second top-tier starter in order to compete for a World Series title. Eovaldi will likely be a free agent, and it would make sense for Bloom to target him in the offseason.

The right-hander also played a key role in getting the Rangers to the Fall Classic last year, and he won the clinching Game 5 in Arizona to give the Rangers their first World Series title. He's an innings eater, a high-strikeout guy, and a proven postseason pitcher who would give the Cardinals a chance to compete for the World Series.