Notable Additions: Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, Sonny Gray
Notable Losses: Adam Wainwright, Tyler O’Neill, Dakota Hudson
Just like the Mets, the Cardinals had a disappointing 2023 season. In fact, it was so disappointing that they finished last in the NL Central for the first time since the division was created in 1994. The good news is that most of the fielders returned, and they built a new pitching staff. However, will that be good enough to insert themselves back into playoff talks?
Projected Starters
C: Willson Contreras
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Nolan Gorman
3B: Nolan Arenado
SS: Masyn Wynn
LF: Lars Nootbar
CF: Tommy Edman
RF: Jordan Walker
DH: Brendan Donovan
Hitting was not the main problem in St. Louis last year. As a team, they ranked 15th in OPS and batting average. Seven qualified hitters had an OPS above .774 and a WRC+ above 107. All seven hitters are returning to the lineup this year. The only two who didn’t meet this threshold were Tommy Edman and rookie Masyn Wynn. This team’s hitting will be as good as last year or better. I give the Cardinals’ hitting a 6/10.
Projected Starting Rotation
Sonny Gray
Miles Mikolas
Lance Lynn
Kyle Gibson
Steven Matz
This is where the question marks start. The average age of this rotation is 34.6. No, this is not the 2011 Phillies. In fact, it is much worse. Sonny Gray is great. He is coming off a 2.79 ERA season with 183 strikeouts. As for the rest, Mikolas had a 4.78 ERA, Lynn had a 5.73 ERA, Gibson had a 4.73 ERA, and Matz had a 3.86 ERA. Unfortunately, I fear their better days are behind them. However, because these guys have the potential to be good veterans, I give the Cardinals a 4/10.
The Cardinals’ bullpen was not very good last year either, but I feel there is more promise with this unit. Ryan Helsley, Giovanny Gallegos, Jojo Romero, and Keynan Middletown are all solid options for this bullpen entering 2024. Are they fantastic? No, but I give them a 4/10.
Sock’s 2 X-Factors
Paul Goldschmidt: The 36-year-old still has plenty left in the tank to push the Cardinals toward the playoffs. The 2022 NL MVP had a solid year in 2023, hitting .268/.363/.447 with 25 home runs and a 122 WRC+. That was a down year for him. He may be entering the latter stages of his career, but if the latter stages equate to a 122 WRC+, I’ll take it.
Nolan Arenado: The soon-to-be 34-year-old is coming off one of his worst full seasons. He hit .266/.315/.459 with 26 home runs and a 107 WRC+. Just like Goldschmidt, this is a down year. Granted, it was a big drop from his 2022 season, but he is still an elite hitter who can provide elite defense until proven otherwise. To me, he has not proven that his fall is here.
Sleeper: Jordan Walker: A former top prospect, Jordan Walker had an underrated 2023 campaign. In his rookie year, Walker hit .276/.342/.444 with 16 home runs and a 116 WRC+. He had a 33.2 chase percentage and 22.4 strikeout percentage, but I think he can overcome those numbers and have a good 2024 campaign.
Prospects to Look Forward To
Masyn Wynn: Getting his chance to prove himself in the big leagues again this year, Mason Wynn is the top prospect in the Cardinals farm system. Last season, he hit .288/.359/.474 with 18 home runs in Triple-A. His big calling card is his arm. He has a cannon at shortstop with great defense to go along with it. The Cardinals could be looking at another tremendous homegrown prospect.
Chase Davis: Selected 23rd overall in the 2023 MLB draft, Chase Davis is a raw power guy who will slot in nicely at one of the corner outfield positions. He has a great arm for the outfield but doesn’t have the required speed for center field. Regardless, he will be an exciting prospect to watch develop on the Cardinals’ farm system.
GM For a Day
Suppose the Cardinals aren’t in playoff contention by the deadline. In that case, it is time to offload your old talent, clean house, and build toward the future because every other team in your division is. If you play your cards right, it is okay to take a couple of years off.
Projected Finish 79-83, 3rd in the NL Central, 9th in the NL.
+ There are no comments
Add yours