O’Brien, an All-Star closer, has endured a rough stretch. He gave up six runs in a Sunday outing against the Philadelphia Phillies and took the loss. He also suffered a loss on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. Despite the struggles, Manager Oli Marmol expressed confidence in O’Brien, emphasizing that closers face tough moments and that learning to persevere is part of the role.
O’Brien entered Sunday’s action with a 2.94 ERA but saw that figure rise to 4.02 after the Orioles game. While he remains among the National League leaders in saves, his last seven appearances have produced a 10.50 ERA. Nonetheless, Marmol continues to trust him in high-leverage situations, highlighting O’Brien’s overall contributions this season as the club navigates a late-season stretch. The Cardinals remain a few years away from being genuine contenders, and Marmol’s decision to stick with O’Brien reflects a longer-term view rather than a quick fix for the current downturn.
The Cardinals’ bullpen has been a primary area of concern for much of 2026, and addressing it will be a priority in the offseason as the team plans for future competitiveness. O’Brien stands out as the most reliable closer option at present, but additional depth at the back end of the bullpen could help the club when it resumes its push toward contention in subsequent seasons.
With the trade deadline past and the team out of playoff contention, adding bullpen pieces in 2026 will hinge on free-agent availability. The Cardinals will likely seek multiple relievers to bolster the bullpen and provide more flexibility in late-game scenarios, ensuring stronger depth behind O’Brien and improving the team’s prospects for 2027.
In summary, while the 2026 season has featured notable moments for the Cardinals, the recent skid has underscored bullpen limitations and the need for reinforcements. The focus now shifts to offseason planning: expanding relief options, particularly at the closer’s role, to position St. Louis for a stronger run in the next campaign.
