Bold predictions for the 2023 Cardinals
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With Christmas having handed, being in that awkward time earlier than the daybreak of the brand new 12 months, I obtained to enthusiastic about — what else? — baseball. Oh, it gained’t be lengthy now till gloves can be popping, hitters can be smashing BP fastballs and the nice and cozy Florida solar can be making snow-covered northern people jealous and plotting their Spring Training journeys.
Undoubtedly, Spring Training may have a distinctly completely different really feel this 12 months, particularly across the Cardinals’ headquarters. For the primary time in practically 20 years, Yadier Molina gained’t be arriving shortly after dawn to get in his catching work. Albert Pujols, who electrified St. Louis followers together with his magical return and his cost to 700 house runs and past, may most likely nonetheless hit 20-plus lengthy balls, however he, too, can be absent.
With a lot change afoot, it obtained me enthusiastic about how issues will play out in Spring Training and within the 2023 season. Here are some fearless predictions for the season forward.
The Cardinals will signal Mikolas and Jordan Montgomery to extensions throughout Spring Training
The Cards have one thing of a mini disaster looming with Steven Matz being the one beginning pitcher at present signed past 2023. They will work to ink Mikolas and Montgomery — no straightforward process contemplating the hovering prices for pitchers — to multiyear offers. Mikolas proved himself as a workhorse and has earned a brand new deal, whereas Montgomery’s profile as a sinker-balling lefty traces up completely in Busch Stadium. The franchise will need to see Jack Flaherty wholesome for a season earlier than beginning talks.
Cards’ high prospect Jordan Walker will get each likelihood to make the Opening Day roster
Walker may lead the Cardinals in at-bats and innings this spring as he tries to show he’s large league prepared at 20. Manager Oliver Marmol loves competitors, and he desires to see how incumbent outfielders Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson and Lars Nootbaar reply to being challenged by the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Walker.
Before the season opener or the Trade Deadline, the Cardinals will deal an outfielder (seemingly O’Neill or Nootbaar) for pitching assist
That will occur when Walker takes over in proper area.
Relievers Gordon Graceffo and Connor Thomas will make the Opening Day roster
Graceffo instructed me this week that he has adopted the Cardinals’ orders and bulked up, and he has the sort of swing-and-miss stuff the group wants. Thomas rotated the trajectory of his profession by creating a devastating cutter.
Tommy Edman will win one other Gold Glove
Edman, one of many Cardinals’ most respected gamers, had the defensive numbers to win in 2022, however splitting time at second price him. This season, he’ll nab a high defensive honor at shortstop.
Having handed up an opportunity at free company and presumably an additional $100 million, Arenado can be rewarded with some good karma
He would be the Cardinal to win the NL MVP this season.
The Cardinals will win the division, however they’ll undergo extra postseason frustration
St. Louis will win a weak NL Central by double-digit video games, however it should once more come up brief in opposition to large spenders such because the Mets, the Phillies and the Padres.
Quick predictions
Energized by being again in a playoff chase, catcher Willson Contreras will smash 25 house runs. … While Brendan Donovan will begin at second base, Nolan Gorman would be the Opening Day DH. … Still irked by his late-season struggles, Goldschmidt will make one other run on the NL Triple Crown. … Wainwright will fall in need of successful 15 video games to tie for second in Cards historical past, however he’ll pitch and win a playoff recreation this time round. … Carlson will hit righties nicely.
