For the past couple of seasons, we’ve covered the “state of the union” for each team in MLB on our YouTube channel. And this year, we renew that series and examine the condition of each franchise. This article is our State of the St. Louis Cardinals.
MAJOR ACQUISITIONS: WILLSON CONTRERAS
Willson Contreras was the best available catcher in this off-season’s free-agent market. Contreras is a solid Major League player who’s bat speaks volumes for production. Defensively, there are questions about his ability and prowess. Cardinals fans have been spoiled for nearly the last twenty years with the defensive master Yadier Molina behind the plate. And while there will be groaning pains with the fanbase and Contreras’s defensive ability, Wilson’s offense will help alleviate some of that pain.
SIGNIFICANT INJURIES: DYLAN CARLSON
The St. Louis Cardinals have one of the best young outfield cores with Lars Nootbaar, Tyler O’Neill, and Dylan Carlson. Carlson is currently out with right arm fatigue and will be out for an undetermined amount of time. The Cardinals will be able to withstand the temporary loss of Carlson, and he should be back in plenty of time to impact the Cardinals’ postseason aspirations.
TOP PROSPECT: JORDAN WALKER (OF/3B)
Jordan Walker is one of the best prospects in MLB. The converted third baseman is learning the outfield because Nolan Arenado is locked in at third. And while the defense in the outfield is a “work in progress,” Walker has a cannon of a right arm that will translate well. Jordan has been a tremendously gifted hitter who makes consistently loud contact. And as Walker continues to grow and develop his game, he will only become even more of a force for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 65 | Run: 50 | Arm: 70 | Field: 50 | Overall: 60
BOLD PREDICTION: CARDINALS REACH WORLD SERIES
The St. Louis Cardinals have a team capable of reaching the World Series. Between their pitching staff, offensive lineup, and the front office’s willingness to spend, this is a team that can go all the way. To say that the Cardinals will make the postseason doesn’t seem like a stretch or all that bold of a prediction. However, to make the claim that they can make it to the World Series is another claim altogether. Reaching the World Series doesn’t guarantee a win, but they will compete for the most meaningful games of the season.
DIVISIONAL RANKING PREDICTION: 1ST IN NL CENTRAL
The St. Louis Cardinals are a strong team capable of making the postseason. Their offer addition will aid them in that quest. St. Louis also faces an increased challenge from their division. The battle for the NL Central won’t be easy as the Cubs and Brewers are improved from a season ago. However, the Cardinals haven’t lost any ground from where they were in 2022, which was the NL Central division winner.
PITCHING STAFF GRADE: B+
The Cardinals’ pitching staff is dynamic and arguably underrated. For St. Louis, their pitching staff will help keep them in the battle for the NL Central. The Cardinals, at first glance, might not have the most recognizable names like some of the other teams in the NL. However, the quality of pitching on the Cardinals’ staff is well above average.
OFFENSIVE GRADE: A
The Cardinals’ lineup is underratedly brilliant. Having arguably the best corner infield combination in baseball will always give the Cards an edge. Beyond that combo, the Cardinals have one of MLB’s best young outfield cores. The addition of Contreras gives the Cardinals a plus offensive player in a position that lacked offensive output. The 2023 season will be difficult for St. Louis, but their offense will help ease the burden.
OFFSEASON GRADE: C
The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t make many waves this offseason in the acquisitions department. The only Major League caliber moves made this offseason were Adam Wainwright’s resigning and Contreras’s signing. And while both of these signings will aid the Cardinals, they may be faced with a need for more depth.
FRANCHISE GRADE: A
As we’ve stated, the St. Louis Cardinals are a team primed to be successful in 2023. The combination of their pitching staff and offensive lineup will allow St. Louis to compete at a high level against any team in MLB. St. Louis’ front office has also shown a willingness to spend whenever necessary to help push the Cardinals over the line. The 2023 season may be strange because it’s the first not to feature Yadier Molina in twenty years. It will be a season of transition but should be a season of postseason contention.
