This assessment of the Cardinals’ players by position outlines their strengths and potential challenges. The team anticipates stability in the infield with a rookie slated to start at shortstop. However, the outfield situation is less certain, and the pitching staff’s depth is crucial due to the age of some of its members.
In the starting rotation, the Cardinals are counting on their pitchers to deliver consistent innings and reduce the workload on the bullpen compared to last season. They acquired reliable starters Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn in free agency to bolster their rotation.
Miles Mikolas is one of the few returning starters and has a track record of pitching 200 innings in multiple seasons. Despite his All-Star performance in 2022, Mikolas struggled in 2023, partly due to the team’s defensive issues. Improved defense should support Mikolas and enhance his overall performance.
