The Cardinals finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record that got them into the postseason as the 3rd wildcard team. They defeated the Brewers in the Wildcard Series but then were swept in the NLDS by the Phillies.
One consistent through the roller coaster season was the inconsistency of the pitching staff, primarily the bullpen. Sonny Gray was the ace of the staff and pitched like it all season. Kyle Gibson was a good combination with Gray, but was lost shortly after the all-star break. Miles Mikolas pitched well and Jack Flaherty was solid after being acquired from Detroit. The rest of the staff was inconsistent. Matthew Liberatore seemed overmatched more often than not, but the Cards couldn't move him to Memphis. Dakota Hudson and Cooper Hjerpe tried but neither was effective as they needed to be to help the rotation.
In the bullpen, there really wasn't anyone that you felt you could count on, expect for Jordan Hicks. When Hicks came over from the Giants, he gave the staff stability on the backend. But that was it, as Ryan Helsley, Genesis Cabrera, Jo Jo Romero, Andrew Kittredge, and Keynan Middleton were inconsistent as the bullpen blew multiple games over the course of the season.
Its no secret that pitching will be the primary focus for this Cardinals team this winter. I anticipate the front office seeking two arms for the rotation and maybe 4-5 arms for the bullpen as they look to rebuild it.
Offensively, the Cardinals were in the top 10 in runs scored and homeruns. There really isn't much needed in terms of everyday players, aside from the possibility of Paul Goldschmidt and Harrison Bader not being re-signed, but those spots are likely filled internally with Nolan Gorman playing first and rookie Victor Scott II being the favorite going into spring. Depth will be needed especially up the middle. Jordan Walker can help fill out the corner spots but the Cardinals need depth at middle infielder. When Donovan, Winn, and Edman were out of the lineup, Cesar Prieto and Brandon Crawford were relied upon with Gorman mixing in at 2nd base, but the club feels he's best as a first baseman. I would expect Mason Wynn to start the year in Memphis, depending on how Spring goes, as he tore his labrum late August, so getting him healthy and in a routine will be key.
In the outfield, its a log jam, something the Cardinals are getting used to. I don't expect Bader or Tyler O'Neill to be re-signed. Lars Nootbaar was highly impressive all season as well as October so its likely he's a lock for left field while Dylan Carlson will man the other corner. Victor Scott II and Mike Antico will likely battle this spring for the centerfield spot. More depth is in the minors but probably still a year away in terms of Chase Davis, Micheal Siani, Zach Levenson, and Won Bin Cho.
Willson Contreras had a great season winning the Silver Slugger Award for catcher in the National League. Expect him to return as the backstop behind the plate and bat in the middle of the lineup. Ivan Herrera served well as a backup and stepping in when Contreras was injured, but the Cardinals could seek a veteran backup and let Herrera get everyday at-bats and call games behind the dish at Memphis. Leonardo Bernal is another name to watch as he was exceptional in Springfield, so he could keep Herrera from catching everyday at Memphis if the Cards decide to promote him. He did have injury issues last year, so they could look to keep him at Springfield at least to start the season.
So there's the outlook for this winter for the Cardinals. They need pitching help desperately and that will be the upmost importance to the front office, with depth the other concern. But as always, something always happens in the offseason you're not expecting and your best laid plans get turned upside down.
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