The St. Louis Cardinals have made significant moves in the off-season to bolster their pitching staff, aiming for a worst-to-first jump in the National League’s Central Division this season. Manager Oliver Marmol expressed confidence in the team's revamped rotation, emphasizing the intentional approach taken to not only enhance skill sets but also foster a positive team dynamic.
The Cardinals added three veteran free-agent starters - Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson - along with relievers Andrew Kittredge, Nick Robertson, and Keynan Middleton. Marmol highlighted Gray's leadership qualities, Lynn's accountability, and Gibson's mentorship of younger players as valuable assets to the team.
With a mix of experienced players like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Matt Carpenter, and Brandon Crawford, along with the new additions, the Cardinals have a well-rounded roster. However, the team faces the challenge of managing injury risks, as Gray is set to begin the season on the injured list due to a hamstring tear.
Marmol acknowledged the importance of a strong bullpen, especially after losing several games late in the previous season. The additions of Kittredge, Middleton, Robertson, and Riley O’Brien aim to provide more depth and reliability in closing out games.
Despite a disappointing 2023 season, where the Cardinals finished well below .500, the team made significant financial investments in Gray, Gibson, and Lynn. The payroll projection places them in the top ten among major-league teams, reflecting the organization's commitment to bouncing back from last year's struggles.
One key change for the Cardinals is the defensive improvement at the catcher position, with Willson Contreras stepping in for Yadier Molina. Marmol praised Contreras for his efforts in building relationships with pitchers and refining his skills, expecting a stronger performance from him this season.
As the Cardinals gear up to compete in a tough division that includes the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Pittsburgh Pirates, Marmol remains focused on the team's internal growth and performance. The goal of a worst-to-first turnaround is within reach if the Cardinals execute their game plan effectively.
