The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that former player Jon Jay has joined manager Oliver Marmol's coaching staff for the 2025 season. Assistant coach Willie McGee resigns to become special adviser to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. Both Jon Jay and former Cardinal player and coach Skip Schumaker became free agents of sorts following a mass layoff of coaches from the Miami Marlins' coaching staff.

Jay has been the first base coach for Schumaker and the Miami Marlins for the past two seasons. He played 12 years in Major League Baseball and spent the first half of his career in St. Louis. He was best known for his lovable personality and defensive talent as a player. Jay also played a key role in both 2011, when the team won the World Series, and 2013, when the Cardinals won the National League pennant.

Jay, 39, has received rave reviews for his coaching style and there are rumors that some clubs have become interested in him as a manager. While details of his role with the team have not yet been announced, it is likely that Jay will be announced as some sort of assistant coach to replace Willie McGee's departure. He will likely work with the team's young outfield core, which includes Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II, Lars Nootbaar, Micahel Siani and Alec Burleson.

Willie McGee made the decision to change roles himself. He has been an assistant coach for the Cardinals for seven years. As a special advisor, he will work with both major and minor league teams and players; McGee, 65, will also help out in spring training.

Following the firing of Turner Ward earlier this month, the Cardinals' hitting coach position is still vacant. Numerous suitable candidates should be considered for this role, both internally and externally. In addition, a deputy managing director will be appointed in the coming weeks.

The return of the old Cardinals will hopefully instill some nostalgia and confidence in this team. As the organization focuses on player development and youth over the next few seasons, it makes sense to bring a younger coach to the team while maintaining the presence of veterans like Willie McGee.