DECISION TIME: Cardinals Catching DEPTH Tested as Leo Bernal and Ivan Herrera BATTLE for 2027

St. Louis Cardinals’ catching depth sparks a roster debate as Leo Bernal emerges with standout numbers, raising questions about Ivan Herrera’s future and Pedro Pages role. Is Bernal ready to take over as the primary backstop, and could Herrera shift to DH or be used as key trade bait to strengthen the rotation or bullpen? Poll results reveal fans' preferred catching duos, while top prospect Rainiel Rodriguez and Jimmy Crooks’ minor league success add intrigue to the 2027 outlook. Andre Pallante’s dominant start is wasted in a lifeless 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Cardinals’ bats going silent—just one hit and 14 strikeouts. The episode recaps notable playoff scenarios, Alex Bregman’s alarming injury, and updates on prospects in the Springfield and Memphis rosters, leaving listeners wondering if the Cardinals can reclaim postseason relevance next year. 00:00 Cardinals Catching Future 10:44 Pirates Game Recap 23:19 Playoff & Minor League Updates Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-st-louis-cardinals/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast . Gameday Mens Health Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at https://gamedaymenshealth.com . Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon . 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon Stance Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings. Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com . Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball. KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel. Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN