Roster changes appear imminent
Catching conundrum: Yadier Molina has been a fixture behind the plate in St. Louis almost from the day he made his MLB debut in 2004. Along the way, he’s racked up nine Gold Gloves, nine AllStar appearances and two World Series rings. He’s also a 38-year-old free agent who’s looking for a two-year contract.
If the Cardinals can’t come to terms with one of their most popular players, they’ll have a major weakness to address. Backup Andrew Knizner has just 26 games of major league experience. And the only other catcher on the 40man roster has yet to play above the Class AA level.
Wong gone: The Cardinals will need to find a new leadoff man this season with second baseman Kolten Wong leaving as a free agent. Wong’s .350 on-base percentage was third best on the team, topped only by DH Brad Miller and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Wong’s defense will also be missed after he won his second consecutive Gold Glove.
Tommy Edman will likely step into both of Wong’s roles, but in doing so he’ll weaken the Cardinals’ already-thin bench. Last season, Edman was a valuable utility man for manager Mike Shildt, playing five positions.
Budding star? While Goldschmidt, a six-time All-Star, is undoubtedly the focal point of the Cardinals’ offense, the success of this year’s club could hinge on the development of 22-year-old outfielder Dylan Carlson.
After posting a .914 OPS over two minor league levels in 2019, the switch-hitting Carlson struggled in his first taste of the majors last season. He managed just a .200/.252/.364 slash line with three homers in 119 plate appearances. However, he started all three games in the Cardinals’ wild-card loss to the San Diego Padres, going 3-for-9 with four walks and looking much more comfortable – both at the plate and in the field.
Hicks’ health: The Cardinals have a number of bullpen options, but no definite closer as they enter spring training. Geovany Gallegos and Andrew Miller tied for the team lead with four saves apiece last season. Both could see save chances again in 2021. Flame-throwing right-hander Jordan Hicks should also be in the mix after missing a year and a half due to Tommy John surgery and opting out of last season.
Hicks, whose fastball has been clocked as high as 105 mph, will be watched carefully as he progresses back into game action.
But his return to 2019 form – when he converted 14 of 15 save chances and allowed less than one baserunner per inning
– would be a huge addition.
Roster concerns: Depth has been a major factor in the Cardinals making the playoffs 14 times since 2000. The starting rotation behind ace Jack Flaherty looks solid, and last year’s bullpen returns nearly intact.
However, there’s room for improvement on offense after the Cards ranked 12th in the NL last season, scoring 4.14 runs per game.
Team President John Mozeliak hinted that some additions could be on the horizon at the team’s Winter Warmup.
“There’s going to be a lot of baseball transactions between now and the beginning of camp,” he said.
Until those happen, the Cardinals look like a team that will lean heavily on its pitching and hope to score just enough runs to make it back to the postseason.