Looming Roster Challenges for Cardinals as Spring Training Begins
The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for the 2025 season as pitchers and catchers report to spring training amid uncertainties surrounding their roster. While the team may not see significant additions, several unresolved issues could significantly impact their upcoming season. Let’s delve into three potential nightmare scenarios that could shape the Cardinals’ 2025 campaign.
The Nolan Arenado Conundrum
Heading into the offseason, the Cardinals prioritized reducing payroll, leading to speculation about a potential trade involving third baseman Nolan Arenado. However, as spring training commences, Arenado remains on the team, with dwindling trade partners on the horizon. Despite recent trade talks with clubs like the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Yankees, none have made Arenado a priority.
Ideally, finalizing a trade swiftly would be advantageous. However, as trade prospects diminish, the Cardinals may benefit from retaining Arenado at least for the season’s start. This would allow Manager Oli Marmol to solidify the lineup without the distraction of imminent trade talks. While Arenado’s peak performance may be behind him, starting the season with a motivated veteran could yield valuable returns, especially if he excels, potentially increasing his trade value for a mid-season deal.
Center Field Conundrum: Michael Siani vs. Victor Scott II vs. Lars Nootbaar
In the center field competition, Michael Siani, despite his exceptional defensive skills, struggled offensively in the 2024 season. While Victor Scott II offers a balanced skill set, including base-running threats, Lars Nootbaar emerges as a strong candidate for the starting role. Nootbaar, a fan favorite, boasts above-average batting abilities and has demonstrated proficiency against left-handed pitching, a rarity among Cardinals outfielders.
Although Siani could serve as a valuable bench asset for defensive replacements or pinch-running, Nootbaar’s offensive potency positions him as the top choice for the starting role. His consistency and potential for impact make him a compelling candidate to bolster the Cardinals’ lineup in the upcoming season.
Steven Matz’s Role Dilemma: Starter or Reliever?
Steven Matz’s tenure with the Cardinals has been underwhelming since his 2021 signing. While his performance as a starter has been lackluster, Matz has excelled in reliever roles, showcasing a significantly lower ERA and WHIP in that capacity. Given his success in relief and ongoing struggles as a starter, transitioning Matz to a bullpen role appears to be a strategic move for the Cardinals.
Moreover, retaining Matz as a reliever could pave the way for young talent like Michael McGreevy to secure a spot in the rotation. McGreevy’s impressive debut last season underscored his potential, making him a promising addition to the Cardinals’ pitching arsenal. By leveraging Matz’s relief capabilities and nurturing McGreevy’s development as a starter, the Cardinals can optimize their pitching staff for a successful 2025 season.
As the Cardinals navigate through these roster challenges during spring training, the decisions they make will significantly influence their performance in the upcoming season. Balancing experience with potential, defensive prowess with offensive capabilities, and pitching roles effectively will be pivotal in shaping the team’s competitive edge in the challenging landscape of Major League Baseball.