The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves under increasing scrutiny for a series of questionable trade and personnel decisions that have left fans and pundits scratching their heads. While the Chicago Cubs appear to be on an upward trajectory, their divisional rivals in St. Louis are facing criticism for a lack of roster stability and competitiveness.

One of the most glaring examples of the Cardinals' decision-making woes revolves around Willson Contreras. After a tumultuous trade saga that saw him move from the Cubs to the Cardinals with the expectation of becoming the primary catcher, Contreras was subsequently relegated to designated hitter duties, a puzzling move that has left observers baffled. This situation serves as a case study in how not to manage a roster, particularly if the goal is to win a division and maintain financial flexibility.