2024 St. Louis Cardinals Prospects – The NewbiesThe Cardinal Nation’s annual series breaking down the Top 50 prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals system continues with the prospects who entered the rankings for 2024. A variety of routes were taken by the 19 new members plus one returnee with trades understandably a major supplier.
32 New Invitees to 2024 Cardinals Camp Have Diverse BackgroundsAlmost 40% of those to be in uniform in the St. Louis Cardinals 2024 spring training camp were not present in 2023. Who are the 32 new additions and how did they get there?
2023-2024 Cardinals Winter Ball Recap – HittersRecapping results of St. Louis Cardinals position players who competed in the four major winter leagues in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico, including an MVP, Rookie of the Year and a special addition in Panama.
2023-2024 Cardinals Winter Ball Recap – PitchersRecapping the results of St. Louis Cardinals pitchers who competed in the four major winter leagues in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico. My intent was to include everyone, but there could be inadvertent omissions as there is no central repository for stats as previously existed. Part 2 will cover hitters.
Cardinals Sign Minor League Catcher with Ties to MolinaOn Monday, January 22, the St. Louis Cardinals announced the signing of free agent catcher Jonathan Morales to a minor league contract for the 2024 season.
photo: Tommy Edman (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The St. Louis Cardinals and starting center fielder Tommy Edman are not going to an arbitration hearing, after all. The two sides agreed to a contract that will cover 2024 and 2025, his final two years prior to free agency.
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Monday, January 22) that they have agreed on a two-year (2024-25) contract with infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman, avoiding a potential arbitration hearing.
Edman, 28, is set to enter his 6th season with St. Louis, the team that drafted him in 2016 out of Stanford University.
“We are pleased to announce today that we have agreed to terms with Tommy on a new two-year deal,” said Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “Tommy’s strong fundamental play, athleticism and versatility remains a valuable asset that we view as an important part of our team identity.”
The switch-hitting Edman batted .248 with 13 HR’s and a team-high 27 stolen bases last season while making starts at shortstop (41), second base (34), center field (30) and in right field (4), earning Rawlings N.L. Gold Glove finalist selection for the 3rd-straight season. He won the N.L. Gold Glove in 2021 for second basemen.
Since making his Major League debut (June 8, 2019), Edman ranks 4th among MLB switch-hitters in hits (590) behind Bryan Reynolds (604), Francisco Lindor (606), and José Ramírez (628). He is one of just seven switch-hitters in all of Major League Baseball to compile 100+ hits in each of the last three seasons (2021-23).
In 596 career games, Edman has logged a .265 batting mark with 53 HR’s, 222 RBI and 106 stolen bases. His 89 stolen bases over the past three seasons are T-2nd in the majors with Trea Turner and Starling Marte behind only Ronald Acuna, Jr. (119). Edman and Turner are the only players to have swiped 25 or more bases in each of the past three seasons, while Tommy’s 86.2 pct. career stolen base success rate (106-for-123) is 3rd best in MLB history for players with at least 120 attempts.
Brian Walton’s take
The two sides did not avoid a POTENTIAL arbitration hearing, they avoided the sure thing. Less than two weeks ago, the two sides filed at $6,950,000 (Edman) and $6,500,000 (team), respectively. The Cardinals’ “file and trial” position meant they would go to hearing unless the two sides decided on a multi-year deal. Of course, there was no guarantee that the Cards would make an offer at all, let alone one acceptable to the player. Fortunately for both, it seemed to work out while avoiding any potential animosity during the hearing.
Edman, who has 4.114 days of MLB service time, will now be under contract for his final two seasons before becoming eligible for free agency.
Tommy Edman gets a two-year, $16.5 million deal from the Cardinals, per source, as the two sides avoid arbitration. Edman is slated to reach free agency at the end of the deal.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 23, 2024
According to reports, his base salary breakdown is $7 million in 2024 and $9.5 million in 2025. There are also bonuses – $250,000 for a top five finish in MVP voting, $150,000 for World Series MVP and $100,000 each for Gold Glove, Platinum Glove, Silver Slugger and League Championship Series MVP.
As a reminder, following off-season wrist surgery, Edman is not yet 100%. He is throwing and taking ground balls, but is likely not going to be cleared to hit when spring training games begin. He hopes to get in a couple of weeks of games at the end and expects to be ready for Opening Day.
Dylan Carlson is the back up center fielder with Edman the only viable reserve shortstop behind rookie Masyn Winn on the team’s possible 26-man roster to start the season.
For more
Check out The Cardinal Nation’s free Roster Matrix to view the Cardinals’ 40-man roster, spring camp invitees, and the entire system by level and position along with every player transaction.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Molina’s Team Heads to Caribbean Series; Two Cardinals Receive LBPRC Honors
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© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Cardinals Look to Indy Ball for Fifth Time, Adding Pitcher Nick RaquetAfter taking four minor league players this offseason from the independent American Association, the St. Louis Cardinals have dipped into the Atlantic League for a pitcher. As with many of his peers, Nick Raquet’s path has been unconventional.
Molina’s Team Heads to Caribbean Series; Two Cardinals Receive LBPRC HonorsThe St. Louis Cardinals were well represented in winter ball in Puerto Rico. Manager Yadier Molina’s team won the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente, and the organization also has the MVP and Rookie of the Year.
Over a Third of 2023 Cardinals Spring Camp Participants Not Back for 2024The St. Louis Cardinals may not have had much roster turnover this off-season, but over a third of the uniformed personnel from 2023 spring training are not coming to the 2024 camp. Brian Walton outlines who they are and how they left. As one might expect, trades and pitching are in the forefront.
2024 Top St. Louis Cardinals Prospects – Movers and ShakersContinuing the analysis phase of The Cardinal Nation’s 2024 Top 50 Prospects series is a look at some of the most notable ranking changes from 2023 – up and down, on and off.
photo: John Mozeliak media Zoom session, January 19, 2024
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Friday, January 19) that they have agreed on a one-year free-agent contract with former Cardinals All-Star Matt Carpenter for the upcoming 2024 season.
Carpenter, 38, who was drafted by St. Louis in 2009 and debuted in 2011, was a three-time All-Star (2013, 2014 & 2016) during his 11-year Cardinals tenure, and garnered National League MVP votes in 2013, 2015 and 2018.
“When you think of players that helped shape our success in the 2000s, Matt Carpenter’s name is one that is synonymous with winning,” stated Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “Matt showed from the very beginning of his career how hard work and determination can lead to success, and we are excited to have his leadership and experience back in a Cardinals uniform.”
The left-handed hitting Carpenter has compiled a .260/.367/.451 slash line over his career (1,452 games) with 175 HR’s, 644 RBI, 1,225 hits and an .818 OPS. He led the majors in runs (126), hits (199) and doubles (55) in 2013 – the 3rd-most single-season two-baggers by a Cardinal, and the team’s most ever by a left-handed batter.
Carpenter was a member of the Cardinals last World Series team (2013) and appeared in seven games as a rookie during the Cardinals 2011 World Championship season.
After leaving St. Louis in 2022, Carpenter enjoyed a strong start with the Yankees that year, batting .305 with a 1.138 OPS and 15 HR’s in his 47 games before being injured. He spent 2023 with San Diego and finished strong in limited play, compiling a .974 OPS and .500 on-base pct. over the season’s final two months. He was dealt to Atlanta during last month’s Winter Meetings, and was then granted his release, becoming a free-agent.
Carpenter’s name dots several leader boards among all-time Cardinals including the most career (24) and single-season (8, 2018) lead-off home runs. He’s ranked 6th all-time among Cardinals in base-on-balls (699) and 8th in game-winning RBI (73). His 68 career home runs at Busch Stadium III are tied with Yadier Molina for 4th-most in stadium history.
Appearing in 56 postseason games with St. Louis, Carpenter’s six playoff round-trippers are tied for 5th-most in club annals, including a memorable blast off Clayton Kershaw that jump-started the Cardinals 10-9 comeback win in Game 1 of the 2014 NLDS at Dodger Stadium. “Carp” has made six Opening Day starts at third base for St. Louis, and his 671 career games at the “hot corner” for the Cardinals are 3rd-most in team history.
Related transaction – Brian Walton’s take
In a corresponding move which created a 40-man roster spot for Carpenter, the contract of reliever James Naile was sold to the Kia Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization. According to the team, the Cardinals received $250,000 and Naile will earn $700,000 in 2024.
The right-hander made 10 relief appearances for St. Louis in 2023 but surrendered 15 earned runs and nine walks against just seven strikeouts across 10 appearances covering 15 1/3 innings. Including his nine innings from 2022 and the 30-year-old logged a 7.40 ERA in 17 career MLB appearances.
With Memphis, Naile was much better, with a 3.66 ERA in 31 appearances. He received The Cardinal Nation’s recognition as the system-wide Relief Pitcher of the Year for 2023. Last October, the Cape Girardeau native had been designated for assignment but remained in the organization and rejoined the 40-man roster in May. During 2023, Naile was a regular on the I-55 Shuttle as he was called up from Memphis six times and optioned out five times.
With Carpenter having been released by Atlanta, the Braves are on the hook for the vast majority of his prior 2024 contract commitment of $5.5 million, leaving only the MLB minimum salary of $740,000 for the Cardinals to cover. That is comparable to what the Cardinals’ prior 26th man (whoever you believe him to have been) would have received.
At this point, St. Louis’ four-man bench appears to be Carpenter, reserve catcher Ivan Herrera, fourth outfielder Dylan Carlson and perhaps a reserve shortstop such as Jose Fermin.
The player most affected by the Carpenter signing could be outfielder Alec Burleson. An alternative would be if the team allows starting center fielder Tommy Edman to be the reserve shortstop, then perhaps Burleson can make the team over Fermin.
Quotes from Mozeliak media Zoom
Mozeliak met with the media electronically on Friday afternoon. Here are selected remarks.
“Matt Carpenter was someone that we were always fond of when he was here. And, as we were looking at our club right now, we definitely wanted to try to find somebody with some experience who’s been through some things and speaking with (manager) Oli (Marmol) and his group, we thought this would be a pretty good fit.”
Mozeliak said that Carpenter “understands St. Louis and understands where he is in his career.” “And he is not where he once was.” The reference is to Carpenter’s expected role coming off the bench.
Working with Matt Holliday has led to Carpenter getting his bat speed back and increasing his exit velocity.
In response to another question, he said could see both Carpenter and left-handed hitting outfielder Alec Burleson on the roster, but did not go into detail. Mozeliak did add that Carpenter is coming in with the mindset to earn more at-bats. (BW comment: Those additional at-bats would have to come from someone.)
Mozeliak noted there were “missing voices” in last year’s clubhouse. Asked if Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado requested more leadership, Mozeliak said, “My relationship with those guys is always to understand what they’re thinking, what they’re hearing. And so that was part of it.”
Asked about Carpenter’s role, Mozeliak replied, “I think part of it is leadership by example. But I also think part of it is the ability to speak up when you see something. Last year, I think a lot of that was falling on Goldy and I just think that’s pretty demanding.”
The PBO said he hoped Carpenter could retire as a Cardinal.
He replied that he does not know if the Cardinals are done with acquisitions this offseason. He said they are “paying attention to the market”.
I asked about the Naile circumstances. Mozeliak said the Cardinals were approached by the South Korean team two weeks ago. They were interested in Naile and several pitchers in other organizations. Naile had his physical the Sunday of Winter Warm-Up and after the Kia Tigers reviewed the results, the transaction was finalized Thursday night.
For more
Check out The Cardinal Nation’s free Roster Matrix to view the Cardinals’ 40-man roster, spring camp invitees, and the entire system by level and position along with every player transaction.
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Charting the Cardinals’ Plan to Replace Lynn and Gibson in 2025
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© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Charting the Cardinals’ Plan to Replace Lynn and Gibson in 2025The St. Louis Cardinals must be hoping the learnings of 2024 ahead will enable them to enter 2025 with a younger rotation. But even putting aside the challenge of sorting through the contending talent, major roster constraints are coming this fall. Brian Walton breaks down the many considerations.
Key Dates for St. Louis Cardinals 2024 Minor League Spring TrainingEarly information on dates for reporting, workouts and games for the various St. Louis Cardinals minor league spring camps to be held in Jupiter, Florida in February and March and how the interact with the big-league camp.
Cardinals Farm Director Gary LaRocque Outlines 2024 PlansIn an exclusive interview, St. Louis Cardinals Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development Gary LaRocque recaps 2023 and outlines the organization’s plans for the farm system in 2024.
photo: Gary LaRocque, Moises Rodriguez, Randy Flores, Michael Girsch (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
In a change that is disappointing to me, the St. Louis Cardinals no longer offer separate detailed one-hour breakouts with the organization’s farm director and scouting director as part of their Winter Warm-Up fan event. The former sessions allowed for very informative presentations about the two very important functional areas while still allowing time for fan questions.
Instead, the 2024 event featured a single 27-minute moderated session with four Cardinals executives on one panel, called “Talking Baseball”. The venue was the cavernous and noisy Bally Sports Live! main stage at Ballpark Village. With the limited time and the primary focus on fan questions, there was little depth in the session.
The panel began with each of the four executives explaining their respective roles – general manager Michael Girsch (MLB needs) and assistant general managers Gary LaRocque (farm system), Moises Rodriguez (player transactions and international) and Randy Flores (amateur scouting).
From there, five questions were taken from the floor before the session concluded.
Summarizing the five fan questions:
The full audio follows.
Other free Winter Warm-Up content at The Cardinal Nation
Cardinals Winter Warm-Up – In Their Words: Saturday, 1/13/24
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
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photo: Bill DeWitt Jr. and Bill DeWitt III (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
The conclusion of the 2024 St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up charity event at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village arrived on Monday with the final group of presentations and autograph signings scheduled.
Among the popular final day presentations in the main tent included a double-header DeWitt session with Chairman Bill Jr. and President Bill III and a separate session with manager Oliver Marmol. They also met with the media with those details below.
Autograph sessions with these current Cardinals were scheduled on Monday: JoJo Romero, Dylan Carlson, Michael Siani, Ryan Helsley, Tommy Edman, Steven Matz, Packy Naughton, Lance Lynn and Willson Contreras. Skipping the event in 2024 were Paul Goldschmidt, Miles Mikolas and Nolan Arenado, though pre-signed items from Goldy were available for purchase.
Among Cardinals alumni signing on Monday were Tony LaRussa, Andy Van Slyke and Daniel Descalso.
Typically, before or after they sign, the individuals meet with team physicians and are brought to the media area for a question and answer session.
Following are my notes from selected interviews held during the St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up on Monday, January 15, 2024. Along with my summary is the audio for those who want to listen to the full content. There are multiple hours of it!
Oliver Marmol (34:33)
Started on changes to pitching support late last season with Dean Kiekhefer. DC MacLea also joined. Using a lot of technologies. More info so increasing staff makes sense. Wasn’t enough to go around before. Want coaches available to coach up (less experienced pitchers). If head is in computer all day, miss opportunities.
Daniel Descalso is a winner. Came through organization together. Had eye on him before. Super relatable. Wants guys who have future as manager, who could replace him. High stakes environment. Want best people around.
New pitchers. Every move made with purpose. Put life in clubhouse. Create clubhouse where we trust each other. Hope this leads to fewer innings out of pen. Not the roller coaster with rookies.
Had many conversations with Molina. Hoped he could be in dugout a lot but time is not right for him yet. Hopes he will work with catchers and he is hungry to learn ins and outs of MLB coaching. Hopes he will be around more than not.
Donovan is not as much leadership as being vested and having buy in. Care about team or self? Donovan cares about winning. He’s a Cardinal. Invested in self and challenged others to do the same.
If he had to narrow focus to one thing, it is to trust each other.
Will be nice to have entire team together at one time, but no change to spring schedule and routine.
Contreras wants to get better every day and Yadi will help him.
Learned a lot about himself last year. Tested character. “I need to be better. Last year was unacceptable.”
Continuity going into spring. Guys know where they stand so can build team.
Victor Scott is confident kid. Haven’t been around him a ton. Exciting player.
On steals, if success rate is high, will take chance. No change in strategy. Depends on players.
With another year of experience and health, offense will be top five in MLB.
His contract status not a motivation, or what was he doing years one and two? Wants to make StL win.
Mikolas motivated. Not happy about last year. Making adjustments.
Matz had best six weeks at end of season. Best I’ve seen him.
Winn is really good defender. Enables Gold Glove center fielder (Edman). Winn doesn’t scare, embraces competition. Hope he takes hold.
Brought pitchers in who can miss more bats. He likes that. Purpose behind every player added. Can do multiple roles.
Kittredge not being high maintenance is helpful. Any innings, no ego. Can give him the ball whenever needed.
Asked Oquendo to make Walker his special project. “Can you wear him out?” Oquendo embraced it. Worked in Jupiter this winter. Get him ready for spring and Willie (McGee).
Offseason conversations. How well can you take downs? Trust. Grinding in one direction. Sustainable culture. Trust starts with honest two-way communication. Will hear word “trust” a lot. If guys don’t want to be accountable, they don’t fit here.
On defense, good to have versatile guys who can give days off, but also good to know shortstop and center fielder will start every day.
Daniel Descalso (19:41)
Working on spring training plan. Nice to get to Winter Meetings to meet people and getting to know systems for the information he needs. Different orgs have different systems. They had none when he played.
Also reaching out to players.
Will challenge Marmol. Needs differing viewpoint.
Trust is huge part of equation. Has to earn it as new guy.
Last year was tough. Get back to playing Cardinals baseball and deep October run that fans are used to.
Had nice gig in Arizona. Set own schedule. Wouldn’t have left for any opportunity.
Goldy is least talked about superstar in MLB. Runs down line, prepares, does little things, leads by example.
Molina was one of favorite teammates. Played through injuries. All he wants is to win.
Wants 26 guys who want to win. Either be part of group or be somewhere else.
Everyone has to look in mirror about 2023. Not all on Oli, but he is in front every day. We all need to hold to high standard. Set high expectation.
Reestablish fundamentals in spring. Eager to get off to hot start, not measured by W/L, but playing good baseball. If mindset of all players is to win every night, the W/L record will be there and individual stats will be ok, too.
Tommy Edman (17:53)
Plans to get to spring training early to get to know new guys.
Wrist bothered him some days in 2022. Lingered into 2023 offseason on and off. July game in Miami, sharp pain in wrist. Went on IL 3-4 weeks. Imaging after season warranted surgery. Damage to cartilage and wrist bones. Don’t want to be more specific.
Not full go now. Needs to go through hitting progression. Start on tee, increase number of swings, then soft toss, etc. Wants several weeks of game action before Opening Day (but not expected to be cleared at start of spring training). Need to get to full motion and dealing with expected swelling. After surgery, was immobilized, ligaments were tight. Rebuilding from that, not surgery. Has started throwing and taking ground balls. Cleared for full lifting.
This is different offseason. Last year expected to play infield. This year focusing on length running to get to top speed and build endurance vs. sprint when infielder. Keep legs strong. Good to know he will play center field. Can do more in spring to prepare. Reads, etc.
Letting agent handle arbitration. He is focused on baseball side. “Arbitration is a terrible process.” I know I have to deal with it. Understands both conflicting sides. Haven’t been involved in any multi-year contract conversations. May discuss with hearing coming.
Definite goal is Gold Glove. Feels he can win it. Good to have more time on nuances. Biggest toll in CF is amount of running so building sprint endurance.
A year of data will provide learning on rules changes affecting steals. Will be able to take better advantage in 2024. 94 steals by Victor Scott impressive. (Reply when reminded by writer that he plays same position:) “I play a lot of positions.” Winn is one of more talented athletes. Has arm strength, but understands rhythm of game to make throws. He has a lot of ability at the plate.
Back to wrist. Hard to say how it affected his results. He did take fewer swings before game at times to avoid flareup.
Good to see multi-position guys valued across game. 2B/SS/CF are most demanding positions except catcher.
JoJo Romero (10:10)
Normal progression this winter. Knee felt better. Needed to get explosiveness in lower half.
Started throwing Thanksgiving time. Will get on mound when he gets home. Not changing offerings. Get better consistency. Felt like pieces came together last year.
Good feeling getting MLB hitters out. Doesn’t think about high leverage situations. Takes same approach. Stressful, but going in there relaxed.
Pen members feed off each other. Good vibe in Memphis. Felt what they felt. Be there for them. Be great teammate. Helsley very smart. He and Gio great help.
Steven Matz (10:28)
Got together with doctors and trainers and stuck to plan. Starting building up end of October. Had nice six week spurt of success to carry into spring. Bummer that he had little injury that set him back.
Noted he is youngest on staff and turns 33 in May. Group of starters to build off each other. Sonny is really intense. Wants everyone to watch pens. Every pen of his has intent. Worked with him in Nashville in offseason. Great addition. Lynn is workhorse. They faced each other on high school field during COVID.
Last year did not sit well with anybody. Put in a little extra work.
Goldy so consistent. Look up to him for work, family man, great teammate.
In first 10 starts of 2023, always 1-2 pitches that got him every time. The “lat thing” was a freak thing but felt was making progress before injury.
Lance Lynn (19:35)
Had great time first stint with St. Louis but didn’t think about coming back. “Baseball has a weird sense of humor.” Learned it was a business. Never go back; look ahead.
Found different ways to lead and connect and learned from different places (since). Each group different, but make both accountable and comfortable.
Figured out what didn’t work last year. Correct wrongs of last year. Pitch mix didn’t click. Threw a bunch of changes in at once.
Played with Marmol in Low-A and High-A. Same guy, wants to win. Fiery.
Cardinals baseball is being good teammate and helping guy next to you.
Didn’t miss beat with Mo. Always got along.
Last year trade. LA was down starters and needed innings, something he does well. Didn’t talk about anything else.
Talked with Cards before signing. Compared info. On same page. Open to taking help. When he came up, starters (Carp, Waino, Lohse, Westbrook) made fun if didn’t go six innings and 100 pitches. Going deep will trickle through 2024 staff. Healthy competitive fun between starts.
2011 teammates. “I am still playing and they are not!”
Sees similarities with Contreras. Everyone hates him, good for teammate.
LA opener will be chaotic. Will be a show.
Known Gray a long time. Gets better every year. Last year it clicked and all made sense to him.
On new stolen base rules. “People who couldn’t hold runners before, still can’t.” I was taught to pay attention or Yadi would yell at me.
Willson Contreras (21:15)
Forget about 2023 but learn from it.
Can’t wait to start working with new starters. They will own it if they do something wrong.
Molina will help him and everyone. Will pick his brain.
Good opportunity to create winning team with Gray. I came here to win. Can’t replace Waino and Yadi, but create our legacy one step at a time.
Will give 120% in 2024 and wants to play in 140 games.
Lynn has same attitude as I. Have to be careful with it (laughs). Love way he attacks.
Learned from last year to simplify things. Tried to do more than I should. Better in second half. Last year was rollercoaster. Didn’t say anything. I know what they want and we are on same page. No regrets.
Hard transition from Molina. Everyone wants him on their team. Hall of Fame player. Not trying to copy him.
Surprised Cards let Knizner go. Good relationship. Lot of responsibility with Herrera. I am up for it. He was distracted first time up. Different guy when returned. Refocused on getting better.
Bench coach is huge responsibility. Knew Descalso was a smart guy from time together in Chicago.
Lineup has no holes in it. Nine good at-bats. Need younger guys to own team and win games.
Wainwright was role model on not giving up.
Ryan Helsley (6:35)
Offseason was good. Started throwing earlier. Goals same – healthy and help team win. Talked to training staff and Dusty (Blake) on how to keep last month’s progress. Long toss more, throw more frequently, not as much down time. Scherzer among those who support this.
A little relieved that contract went smoothly compared to last year (when he went to arbitration). Had to leave camp and come back. Would give Edman advice not to take it seriously.
Now 6th MLB season so one of the older guys in pen. Mentor and help others along with Gio (Gallegos).
Will pitch back to back days or go multiple innings. I can do anything to help the team win.
If starters can go deep then only 2-3 innings for pen. Spring can’t mimic season. Have to establish routine, help adjust and stay healthy.
Dylan Carlson (7:17)
(Carlson had the interesting opportunity to speak while the DeWitts stood off to the side, waiting for their turn.)
Lot of rehab. Different pace, slower, more intentional. Focused on ankle. Led him to swing, body movement clean up. Fully cleared two weeks ago. Didn’t want to leave in boot and on crutches. Now rested and feel confident. Range of motion affected him. Any doubt makes it tougher. Already tough enough. We took care of it. All behind now.
Got tested last year. We survived. Will see benefits individually and as team.
Working on how to consistently put in best position in box. Differs from sides of the plate (as switch-hitter). More work to do on left side (against RHP). Get rid of bad habits. Sometimes compensation/adjustments don’t help.
Had conversations with Marmol. Work in progress. Evolving, ongoing.
Bill DeWitt Jr. and Bill DeWitt III (40:03)
Mo and team fixed holes. Good position to be competitive in division and league.
Both BDW Jr. and Mo came to same conclusion when Bloom became available that he could help. Big and small market experience. Team has been together a long time. World changes. Get different perspective.
Big markets have advantage and they are taking advantage of it. We try to compete. Nature of the game. Give them credit.
Will get full payment from Bally this year. Gives us a year to best monetize rights. Think we can do well in future.
Draft and develop is the Cardinals model and pick spots in free agency. We can compete with anybody. Have drafted based on performance vs. physical tools. Look at balance? Got good prospects in trades. Try to do a better job in drafting and development.
Committed to payroll. Not impacted by Bally. Know we would get to 80% at worst. May affect future.
Very positive about Oli. See how year goes but expect he will continue after this year.
Mo and group looking at free agent market for relievers. Would be nice if we could acquire more.
Mo saying he would add three starters was easy to say, but hard to do. Was early and aggressive.
Anytime Molina here, it is a big plus. But not full time.
Bloom not a part of Mo future discussion. Get a fresh look at Baseball Ops. We have a more beefed up staff. Mo move to President (of Baseball Ops seven years ago) didn’t change his role.
(Long discussion about post-Bally alternatives.) If rights return to Cards next year, do they partner with Blues or go with MLB or third party? Either way can fix fan access problem created by provider dropping RSN or no in-market streaming.
Likely direct to consumer streaming model coming next year or beyond. For fans, it will get better soon.
Need to better understand their market, which did not need to worry about with long-term Bally deal. Market much greater than St. Louis. Lost subscribers mean lost ability to follow team. Got to fix eyeball problem first.
Jupiter renovation pushed back another year.
In 2023, what could go wrong, did go wrong. Baseball is that way. TLR said getting off to fast start affects season. Ticket department agrees.
Happy with 2024 ticket sales so far. Started slow but picked up with early moves. Sell 70-80% of tickets before Opening Day. Last 20-30% difficult.
Payroll more fluid than we may think. Can adjust as numbers come in during season. Dry powder.
Trying to put good enough team on field to get into playoffs and do good things in playoffs.
Earlier related articles
Cardinals Winter Warm-Up – In Their Words: Saturday, 1/13/24
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
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Cardinals Sign 11 to Open 2024 International PeriodOn the first day of the 2024 international signing period, the St. Louis Cardinals added five pitchers and six position players from four different countries.
photo: Lars Nootbaar (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
Sunday’s Day 2 of the 2024 St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up charity event at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village offered an increased blast of cold as a welcome to the throngs of Cardinals fans attending.
Among the popular presentations on the main stage included a panel discussion with general manager Mike Girsch and assistant general managers Moises Rodriguez, Gary LaRocque and Randy Flores.
Autograph sessions with these current Cardinals were scheduled on Sunday, usually the event’s busiest day: Matthew Liberatore, Ivan Herrera, Brendan Donovan, Victor Scott, Jordan Walker, Andre Pallante, Zack Thompson, Nick Robertson, Max Rajcic, Masyn Winn, Gordon Graceffo, Nolan Gorman, Lars Nootbaar and Jose Fermin. John King was at the event but had to leave early so did not speak to the media.
Cardinals alumni signing Sunday included Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel, Bernard Gilkey, and many more.
Typically, either before or after they sign for fans, the players meet with team physicians and are brought to the media area for a question and answer session.
Below are my notes from selected interviews held during the St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Following my summary is the audio for those who want to listen to the full content.
Victor Scott (16:07)
Cardinals said to build bat speed, but that is not to swing as hard as he can. Make swing more controllable, faster. Working kinetic chain.
Peoria manager Patrick Anderson did defensive drills that helped him with jumps as ball is hit.
Took trip to Cancun after Fall League. AFL was like all-star game every day. Learned pitchers from different organizations have tendencies. His success there told him he is ready for next step.
Was college sprinter who played baseball. Now baseball player who can run. Any pitcher at 1.5 to 1.3 to plate and he has green light. 1.2 to 1.0, look for pitcher tendencies. Talked with Vince Coleman at Futures Game about that.
Changed swing a lot during 2023. More repeatable now. Knows where hands are supposed to be, etc., without thinking about it.
Mom rode him hard about education. Got degree in kinesiology in December.
Not trying to hit home runs like in college. Had trouble at top of zone. Flatter path leads to more line drives. Bunting remains super critical. Took 100 every two weeks.
Ivan Herrera (11:58)
Focus is to stay consistent, show up ready and play hard. Had best offseason. Am happy for chance Cards have given me. Excited for chance to be with team. If confidence is high, he can be good player.
Yadi was best catcher ever. Helped my defense get better. Glad he will be back.
Contreras is funny guy. Competitor.
Getting to know pitchers is important. Told story about first time he caught Wainwright after so many years with Molina. He wants to build confidence in pitchers.
In 2022 first test in MLB did not succeed. Told him what he needed to do to improve in Memphis. Tough early in year, kept working. This is a mental game. Gain maturity, set routines. Good especially after a bad day.
First year, he was overwhelmed by pitchers. In 2023, changed stance at advice of Juan Yepez. Hit balls harder (EV 110-113), walks up, strikeouts down. Stayed with it.
Spent offseason in Panama and worked with coach and trainer. Started playing winter ball a week ago.
Max Rajcic (9:05)
Versus last winter, knows what to expect. Ready for 132-140 games in 2024. Went from 85 innings to 130.
Goal is first pitch strikes and getting ahead in count. High-A hitters had better approach and discipline vs. Low-A.
Made Double-A debut in playoffs in rain, but Springfield fans turned out. Arrived at midnight and threw later that evening.
Made all three goals in 2023: Throw 130 innings, reach Double-A and be named Cardinals Pitcher of the Year. Keeping 2024 goals to himself.
Will be sponge in 2024 spring camp.
Uses fastball to set up offspeed. When curveball is on, it is unhittable. Slider was sweeper in 2023. Trying to get it to be gyro slider at 85-87 mph. Always chasing more (fastball) velo. Working on bouncing curve in dirt for chases.
Made mound in backyard in Fullerton, CA. Hard finding a catcher.
Gordon Graceffo (7:47)
Offseason has been awesome. Bullpens have been great.
No discussions about move to relief. Talked with coaches at end of year. Just told to be more consistent. Will do whatever team needs.
Post injury, his mechanics took a dip.
Offseason in north New Jersey focused on nutrition and endurance. Need to go 6-7 innings or end up in pen. Wants to stay starting. Number 1 ability is availability.
Tried to do too much in spring 2023. In 2024, knows he is there for a reason. Will pitch as well as he can. Listens to guys on team more than coaches.
Regarding 2023 injury, it was hard not being able to help team. Sitting with guys who have been in MLB like Hudson, Liberatore and Naile.
Nolan Gorman (16:01)
Same approach offensively. Fight tough pitches and hit good ones.
Focus on core stability, flexibility, mobility and nutrition to help his back. Not new, just a different level. Started regular schedule while still with StL on IL late in season. Even ran before season ended.
Not kind of guy to put 500 pounds on bar. (Lifting heavy weights did not hurt back.)
Focus is to move fast, accelerate fast. Dial in on mental side of baseball and life. Approach vs. certain pitchers to get turned around faster if downturn. Go into each day as new day. Stopped looking at in game video. June-July was terrible.
Has doctor and nutritionist. Learn what to do and not to do. Cleaner eating. Goal is to play 162 games.
Showed he can hit for power and average. All is there. Need to make lows not last too long.
Defensively working on speed, range, running quickness. Get to balls left and right the same. Work back and get to more balls.
Back injury was inflammation and lock up. Not one thing that caused it.
No spots given to people. Hopes to earn whatever spot helps team win.
He and Donovan talk and motivate each other. Donovan about as consistent as they come. Looks up to him for that and as a player who went to college.
Brendan Donovan (13:29)
Pain-free throwing was goal. Ended program this week. Hitting next week. Injuries not enjoyable but teaches about body. Being pain-free is different. Sucks to be sidelined but motivates him more.
Just wants to be in lineup. He and Edman can give guys days (off).
On trade speculation, wants to play here and be here for a long time. Can control rehab and preparation. Glad still wearing these colors.
Goal is for nobody to know he had surgery. Started to throw at 12 weeks. First was a lollipop that was in catching zone. Didn’t want it to snowball into 2024 season. No setbacks. Rehabbing whole body.
As rookie had 11% swing rate on first pitches. Took too many and got behind. Good to get better swings early in count.
Likes switching gears between hitting and defense. Not taking swings during game. Partly being stubborn. While DH, thinking about what he’d be doing on defense.
Thinking in the box is never good. Like hitting with one hand tied behind back.
Really motivated and hungry team. Will see different product out there (in 2024). Going to re-establish high core values.
Zack Thompson (8:09)
Bouncing around between relieving and starting led to inconsistency. Working on new weapons “tread” changeup or “kick change”. Also smaller curve ball looking for Ks, like Montgomery’s offering. Staying in touch with him.
Last year, prepared as reliever day one. Plan differently for 15-30 pitches daily. This year, being a starter changes training and conditioning. Prep for 200 innings over season.
Hit new level after blowing game in Chicago in July. Learned about getting through an order a second and third time. Felt like he wasted part of 2023 in Memphis figuring what to do.
With ABS system at Memphis, had to adjust. No fastballs above belt are called strikes. His fastball covers his curve so this forced him to use slider, which is good.
Not thinking about that some starters may be made relievers. Goals to get through lineup three times and make 30 starts.
Jordan Walker (16:07)
Weighed 259.4 pounds just before coming here. Did not plan on it. Result of strength program. Feels stronger, more explosive. No live at-bats yet.
Daily routine this winter with Oquendo in Jupiter: 9:45 a.m. stretch, 30-60 minutes drill on first step, tracking balls, throwing, etc., 45-60 minutes in cage sometimes with Donovan. Then strength and conditioning, lifting, running, home at 2:30.
Grew fast and have to keep up with it. Working on lateral quickness. Will lose water weight during season.
Doesn’t share personal goals – sets with Dad. Vague goal is to drive ball earlier in year. Agreed with question that 30 home runs is realistic.
Learned how to forget what was learned earlier. Must always be coachable.
Not worried about Masyn Winn’s struggles. Seen him hit for four years. He needs to relax, same as me. The two of are always competing with each other. Winn will be a good hitter for average with more power than expected.
What could he tell Victor Scott, a tremendous athlete – including basketball and bowling? Called him “kind of like the Mookie Betts of the Cardinals”.
Stayed in Jupiter in winter because he trusts staff.
Oquendo teaching him not to go back on heels after starting after balls. Trust first instinct with eyes.
MLB hitters make fewer mistakes, so he needs to be more consistent. Wants to be hitter who can drive ball to all parts of the field and to the wall. Wants to hit for average and power.
Thinks of Donovan as one of his coaches. If he sees something wrong, he calls it out. Said my hips weren’t right and I can’t hit like that. Coaches had said same. Donovan is a lead driver in group chats.
Matthew Liberatore (4:14)
Wants to win in whatever role to help the team. Late season pen success gave him confidence and simplification. Kept it simple facing 2-5 guys per outing. Trust stuff, rely on strengths. Don’t have to worry about second and third time through lineup.
No longer trying to put on weight. Endurance huge. Aerobic and muscular focus.
Tampa Bay start “confirmed I can do this and do well” vs. Miami game when he came out in the first.
Gorman’s swing looks as good as I’ve ever seen it and I’ve seen him for a long time.
Nick Robertson (6:07)
Call (that he was taken in Rule 5) caught him off guard. Not a lot of StL fans in Virginia. Can throw 1-2 innings, whatever team needs. Has started a pen game several times so can extend outings.
Comfortable getting batters out with all pitches but worked on getting slider more consistent. He had the pitch before, stopped using it and brought it back in 2023. Wants to have third effective pitch.
Jose Fermin (5:02)
The infielder took just two days off before going to play winter ball. Didn’t play a lot last year due to injury. Hit well in Dominican Republic and worked in outfield after suggestion from Cardinals. Worked some there last offseason, too. Cards worked with him on hitting mechanics, bat positioning, preset. Ready for outfield in spring training (if they ask him).
Lars Nootbaar (14:24)
In group chats, everyone is motivated to have bounceback year.
(LA) Not where he wanted Yamamoto to land. First time he saw a free agent go through that. Got higher number than most thought.
Goal is to stay more healthy and be available daily. Working with body coach daily. More flexible, pliable, durable.
Early time with StL still trying to find himself. Roller coaster early in career. As matured, gained confidence, trust in own ability.
Coolest thing about Japan trip was sightseeing in Kyoto and seeing grandparents, cousins after many years.
Wants to relieve big guys (Nolan, Goldy, Willson) so they don’t have to do it all (carry offense).
Working (launch?) angles with Arenado in offseason. Compared before to Kobe and Jordan. “A motivated Nolan is a scary Nolan.” Works so hard because he cares so much. A psycho who lives and breathes baseball. Relationship is honor I don’t take for granted.
Had not heard before that he is starter in left field. Doesn’t change his preparation. Won’t be satisfied until he can sit at table with big guys.
First full spring training coming. Without WBC games early, don’t have to press as much.
Will be up to team if they have new celebrations for 2024. Gives Andrew Knizner credit for pepper grinder.
Note
Due to other commitments, I missed the media interviews with Masyn Winn and Andre Pallante.
Earlier related article
Cardinals Winter Warm-Up – In Their Words: Saturday, 1/13/24
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© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
photo: Winter Warm-Up pre-opening 01/13/24 (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
Saturday’s Day 1 of the 2024 St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up opened its second year at its new venues, Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village. The assembled fans were greeted by cold and windy conditions typical for a Midwest January.
The most popular presentation on day 1 had to be John Mozeliak’s always-informative main stage event, following a Q&A session with the media. The president of baseball operations then signed autographs.
Signing sessions, generally two hours each, with these current Cardinals players were scheduled on Saturday: Tink Hence, Alec Burleson, Drew Rom, Luken Baker, Sonny Gray, James Naile, Thomas Saggese, Buddy Kennedy and Sem Robberse. Also signing for fans were Cardinals alumni including David Freese, David Eckstein and Jeff Suppan. Kyle Gibson signed, but did not meet with the media.
Before or after they sign for fans, players meet with team physicians and are also brought to the media room for a question and answer session.
Following are selected interviews held during the St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up on Saturday, January 13, 2024. I summarize them and follow with the audio for those who want to listen to the full content.
John Mozeliak (32:14)
There is a lot to cover, more than I will summarize in words, so I recommend you listen to this 32-minute interview.
Was aggressive early in offseason to find innings. Excited where roster is. Lot of new faces since 10/1. Things could still happen. Will keep looking. (Was asked later if it ruled out starting pitching. He said “no”, anything is possible.)
Most excited about veteran leadership. Didn’t anticipate loss with Molina, Pujols and even Wainwright to an extent.
Payroll not black and white. Could take investment to owners. Yes, there is payroll room.
Good for pen to get outs. If Ks, great. It is stronger than last year but they could do more. Last year, they put pressure on the pen day one.
Have to get to October before talking about winning in October. We can compete in NL Central.
Dealt from depth to get Kittredge. He came from Tampa Bay so he understands how he could be used. Not 9th inning or nothing.
Mo bounced acquisitions off Bloom, as he knew several from TB. How will the organization look in the next few years relative to industry? He has unique perspective having run TB and Bos.
Affirmed his personal plan is to wind down operational role after 2025. Having a different voice at some point makes sense. Has discussed his succession plan with Bill DeWitt, but some are jumping to conclusions about Bloom hire.
On hearing boos, it is a tough business. Hopefully we rebound.
On Goldschmidt extension, see how the season starts and go from there.
Edman surgery pretty benign. Just forgot to tell media earlier. No other surgeries on roster.
Carlson and Donovan progressing well. Reports from Carlson’s rehab in Phoenix are good. Donovan has been in Jupiter so have eyes on him. Should be ready, including defensively, for spring.
Best defensive club is with Winn at short and Edman in center. But need offense from them. Noted that Winn has always been a slow starter at new levels. Expects to see more offense from him.
On Lance Lynn. Answered whether there is data for him to be better (than 2023).
Regarding McGreevy and Graceffo, year older and more experience. Want to build everyone toward ultimate job but everyone wants to be in the majors. Could move starters to relief (including Thompson and Liberatore) but it is a tricky balance.
It should be more natural and organic for Contreras in 2024. Hopes Herrera will get to play. Molina sucked up all the starts. Can’t do that now.
Will talk to Molina about his role after winter ball. Want him to get his feet wet. He wants to work on coaching side, but they also want to introduce him to how the front office operates. How they evaluate players is an example cited.
Understands questions about friction between Molina and Marmol, who is in his final year under contract. Likes Marmol and hopes team will be successful.
Financial problems with Bally Sports did not affect the offseason. Went into the year not wanting to penalize operations. RSN also did not affect length of contracts. Could be impact if they don’t win.
Mo’s self-reflection from 2023 is that arrogance is not helpful. Need humility. Are tinkering how they make decisions.
Arenado is in great head space. Understands importance to team.
For the corner outfield, Nootbaar needs to go pole to pole, stay healthy. Walker needs to get to at least league average defensively. Walker is working with Oquendo in Jupiter in January. Both are exciting offensively.
Tink Hence (11:08)
Last year, first big league camp, he was excited. Maybe put too much pressure on himself. Learned to put things behind him. July struggles were great learning lesson. Threw most innings ever but did not reach 100 IP goal as injury slowed him. No word yet on pitch count increase but expects it.
Working in Atlanta in offseason with Marvin Freeman. Watching more video. Started 1 ½ months earlier than last year.
Taking different path to MLB than Winn and Walker (fellow 2020 draft picks). He will dominate and the three will have fun together.
Better to be consistent and be true pitcher not thrower. Wants feel and repeatability.
No specific goals for 2024. The sky is the limit.
Sonny Gray (19:43)
Sees in Cardinals commitment to winning, not content with losing, not rebuilding, win year in and out.
Best way to help team is to win.
Already throwing. Threw last Tuesday and Friday. Building arm through strength, stamina. Never stopped. Threw weighted ball twice weekly.
Contreras is highly competitive, high energy. Likes that. Wants to work, learn and get better. Important to know as a person.
Was deep in negotiations with a couple of other teams when Cardinals inquired. Wife Jessica said to talk to them. Mo was willing to listen. Made new hires in pitching department.
History and tradition drew him here. Wants to leave mark himself but will not do it alone. A lot of footprints together.
Fun part of day was having his wife and two sons see it. Gunnar (age 8) was at the table, but Declan (5) went back to the hotel.
Thomas Saggese (14:01)
Was prepared for trade mentally. Rangers were doing well and I was doing well so figured trade for playoff push. Familiar with Double-A, Springfield. Same game. Wants to win World Series too for sure. Nothing but respect for Texas, but trade put chip on his shoulder.
Believes he can compete at any level and become an MLB all-star. Fuels him.
Didn’t feel overmatched in late season Memphis debut. That is part of game. Triple-A pitchers are smarter.
Really likes to work, play hard and hustle. No discussion with Cardinals yet about role. Will play anywhere on field. Most comfortable wherever played most recently. No talk about outfield.
Most important is to get into position to hit and find it over and over. Tries to hit everything. Attacking his strengths to also bring weaknesses along.
Drew Rom/James Naile (14:03)
Rom began. Six weeks in MLB gave him better understanding of game. Don’t let victories get too big. Debut didn’t go as well as hoped but second outing in Philadelphia was a bounce back. Getting his first win against his old Baltimore team (and Kyle Gibson) was big.
Focusing on finding consistency in weight room, mentally and on mound. Knows what to expect. Issues last year were execution. Be where your feet are. Whirlwind 2023. Wishes he would have enjoyed it more.
Can’t control decisions whether starting or pen. Hung around Cincinnati in winter with strength focus.
Naile joined. Struggles last year were mental. His product in Memphis was not same as with St. Louis. Wanted to do so badly, I got in the way.
For second winter, working out with Gray and Matz in Nashville. Last year worked on breaking ball, which was good in Triple-A. Gray is as competitive as they come and is just what you see. Matz has routine.
Luken Baker (9:32)
The big first baseman’s goal is to get repetition and be consistent. Tough to do with St. Louis in 2023.
40-man roster spot gave sense of security and motivation. Know I have opportunity to win job. Was own worst enemy. Didn’t trust same approach as in Triple-A. Refine and trust. Keep approach consistent. Tried to do too much. Swung at bad pitches. Very simple approach – see ball, swing at good pitches.
Difference between Triple-A and MLB is mental. In MLB everyone is good every day. Changed mindset late in season and it worked. Had better success.
Winter focus on being more agile and limber. Put body in place to play 162 games. Does not look at scale but pleased a writer asked about his weight loss. Better eating routine is a focus.
Alec Burleson (20:03)
Broken thumb led to physical therapy. Was in soft cast two days after surgery. Only hindrance was no golf. Injury frustrating because he had opportunity play daily. Positive was ability to start offseason prep early.
Focus on getting faster, losing weight, increased flexibility. Not weight training.
“You will see a different guy playing defense this year.” There is only one DH. Main goal is to get into lineup. Was asked to get more reliable in outfield. Took it personally, not in a bad way. Became #1 goal.
Rookies try to do same thing as in minors but MLB is 10x, 20x, 30x harder. Still try to keep simple to not pressure himself. Different game speed, every arm is a dude, pitchers know how to pitch.
Had good at-bats last year against #1-2-3 starters but have nothing to show for it. Expected numbers good though. Looking to get monkey off his back in 2024. Sees openings and opportunities.
Did not come to 2023 camp as prepared as he should have been. Will be more prepared in 2024 but spring training will still be a battle.
Having heard the Baker discussion, he mentioned walking out that he has lost 12 pounds.
Sem Robberse (12:41)
The right-hander opened with an important announcement – how to properly pronounce his last name – robber-suh.
Odd to be traded in middle of season. Kind of shocking.
Past few years, went home to Netherlands. This winter, parents came to Florida.
When promoted to Triple-A, tried not to do too much. Knew about coming Rule 5 and 40-man decision. This has been surreal journey. Great moment but don’t want to let it influence or pressure actions.
At Triple-A, learned structured routine. Adjusted but stayed within himself. Cards did not try to change things after trade. Transition was easier with other Jays becoming Cardinals.
Winter focus on and has pride in staying healthy. Then can always improve.
Buddy Kennedy (8:37)
Grandpa Don Money played St. Louis. Hated them. Always ready to play and win. Traditions.
Seven years in minors and haven’t solidified job. Talked with agent and am improving defense and hitting. Need to use entire body (lower half) hitting.
This will be his first Florida spring. Happy he can drive down (from New Jersey).
Confidence takes huge dip down when bouncing around. Cardinals AGM said they know his bat will come around. Needs to show he will hit the ball hard in every at-bat.
What’s next
Check back on Sunday and Monday for more Winter Warm-Up content coming !
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Cardinals Uniform Number Changes for 2024Brian Walton’s annual comparison of St. Louis Cardinals spring training uniform numbers from year to year. Who is new and where did they come from? Who is returning? And who departed and where did they go?
photo: Tommy Edman via Zoom (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Thursday, January 11) that they have reached agreements on one-year contracts for the upcoming 2024 season with outfielder Dylan Carlson and pitchers Ryan Helsley, John King, Andrew Kittredge and JoJo Romero, avoiding salary arbitration. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
The team will exchange salary arbitration figures with infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman.
Brian Walton’s take
Amounts to complete the table below will trickle out in the upcoming hours and days, both for the contract settlements and the two sides of the Edman figures. (Update: It is now complete, excepting the result from the upcoming hearing for Edman.)
Estimates below come from MLB Trade Rumors.
| 2024 Cardinals | Arb Year | Est ($MM) | Team file | Player file | Actual ($MM) | Source |
| Andrew Kittredge | 3 | $2.3 | $2.625 | Derrick Goold | ||
| Tommy Edman | 2 | $6.5 | $6.5 | $6.95 | Jeff Passan | |
| Ryan Helsley | 2 | $3.0 | $3.8 | John Denton | ||
| Dylan Carlson | 1 | $1.8 | $2.35 | Derrick Goold | ||
| John King | 1 | $1.0 | $1.005 | Mark Feinsand | ||
| JoJo Romero | 1 | $0.9 | $0.86 | Mark Feinsand |
Edman’s arbitration hearing will be scheduled sometime between January 29 and February 16. Unless the player and team agree in the interim on a multi-year deal (which we do not know is being offered), this case will go to hearing, per the Cardinals’ “File and Trial” policy. Coming out of the hearing, only one of the two submitted amounts will be selected, with no compromise.
The details of the salary arbitration process were negotiated between MLB and the Players’ Union and are part of their five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement.
A big reason Dakota Hudson, Andrew Knizner and Jake Woodford were let go (non-tendered 2024 contracts) by the Cardinals was the size of salary increases they were expected to receive via this process. After leaving the Cardinals, Hudson found a new home with Colorado, but at a salary about half of his estimated amount had he gone through arbitration. Woodford accepted a minor league deal with the White Sox and Knizner signed with the Rangers on Thursday for $175,000 less than his arb estimate with the Cardinals.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Insight on Cardinals’ 2024 Minors Coaches and Player Development Assignments
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Insight on Cardinals’ 2024 Minors Coaches and Player Development AssignmentsBrian Walton goes far beyond Wednesday’s announcement by the St. Louis Cardinals of their minor league-related personnel to explain differences from 2023 to 2024 – in people, roles and teams. The level of continuity is very, very high.
photo: Michael McGreevy and Tink Hence (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced 27 non-roster invitees to 2024 Spring Training camp today (Wednesday, January 10). Highlighting the list of those set to report to Jupiter the second week of February are two Cardinals first round draft picks and several top prospects including three players acquired at the 2023 trade deadline.
We have extended non-roster invites to the following players ahead of Spring Training 2024.
Pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout on February 14.#STLCards pic.twitter.com/OA8s5jdWuT
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) January 10, 2024
Top draft picks RHP Michael McGreevy (1st Round – 2021) and LHP Cooper Hjerpe (1st Round – 2022) join RHP Tink Hence (2nd Round – 2020). Catchers Leonardo Bernal and Sammy Hernandez, who was acquired in a trade with Toronto, represent the youngest players in the group of invitees, both at 19-years old with Bernal turning 20 on the day pitchers and catchers report.
Minor League stolen base leader Victor Scott II joins fellow Arizona Fall League All-Stars RHP Tekoah Roby and Hjerpe to receive invites. Roby and infielders Thomas Saggese and César Prieto were acquired at the 2023 trade deadline.
Cardinals 2023 Minor League Pitcher of the Year Max Rajcic joins St. Louis Cardinals roster members with Major League experience RHP Kyle Leahy and LHP Packy Naughton.
Following is a positional list of Non-Roster Invite players:
PITCHERS (14): Gordon Graceffo (RHP), Andre Granillo (RHP), Tink Hence (RHP), Cooper Hjerpe (LHP), Kyle Leahy (RHP), Ryan Loutos (RHP), Michael McGreevy (RHP), Packy Naughton (LHP), Max Rajcic (RHP), Tekoah Roby (RHP), Wilking Rodríguez (RHP), Victor Santos (RHP), Logan Sawyer (RHP), Connor Thomas (LHP);
CATCHERS (7): Aaron Antonini, Leonardo Bernal, Jimmy Crooks, Carlos Linárez, Nick Raposo, Wade Stauss, Sammy Hernandez;
INFIELDERS (4): Arquímedes Gamboa, César Prieto, Jeremy Rivas, Thomas Saggese;
OUTFIELDERS (2): Matt Koperniak, Victor Scott II
Cardinals pitchers and catchers will hold their first practice at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex on February 14 with the position player’s first practice on February 19.
Brian Walton’s take
15 of the 27 non-roster invitees are members of The Cardinal Nation’s 2024 Top Prospect list, including our no. 2 through no. 11 prospects. Another eight members of our Top 50 will be in camp due to their spots on the 40-man roster, including top prospect Masyn Winn.
NRI prospects (15): Tink Hence (no. 2), Tekoah Roby (3), Victor Scott (4), Thomas Saggese (5), Gordon Graceffo (6), Cooper Hjerpe (7), Michael McGreevy (8), Leonardo Bernal (9), Max Rajcic (10), Jimmy Crooks (11), Cesar Prieto (23), Andre Granillo (26), Connor Thomas (37), Matt Koperniak (45) and Jeremy Rivas (46).
40-man prospects (8): Masyn Winn (no. 1), Sem Robberse (14), Adam Kloffenstein (17), Moises Gomez (22), Pedro Pages (28), Drew Rom (29), Michael Siani (36) and Guillermo Zuniga (50).
Another way to look at the relative youth of some of the NRIs is to consider their experience levels. Five NRIs finished 2023 in Class-A.
From Low-A Palm Beach (2): Leonardo Bernal and Sammy Hernandez
From High-A Peoria (3): Cooper Hjerpe, Carlos Linarez and Jeremy Rivas
Not surprisingly, no members of the Cardinals’ 2023 draft class are among the non-roster invitees.
For more information, check out The Cardinal Nation’s free Roster Matrix to view the Cardinals’ 40-man roster with all spring non-roster invitees designated.
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2024 Top St. Louis Cardinals Prospects – The Final TallyRecapping The Cardinal Nation’s St. Louis Cardinals Top 50 prospects for 2024, with Blake Newberry’s and Brian Walton’s individual votes, how each prospect ranked in prior years and how the list’s positional mix has shifted over time toward pitching.
photo: Andrew Kittredge (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports)
St. Louis Cardinals release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Friday, January 5) that they have acquired right-handed relief pitcher and former All-Star Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for outfielder Richie Palacios.
Kittredge, 33, has compiled a career mark of 18-7 with a 3.65 ERA in seven seasons, all with Tampa Bay. The 6-1, 230-pound Washington native was an American League All-Star selection in 2021 when he appeared in a career high 57 games and posted a 1.88 ERA in his 71.2 innings pitched.
“We are excited to add Andrew’s experience and proven abilities to our bullpen,” stated Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “Prior to his elbow injury, Andrew was an All-Star reliever, and we think his addition will benefit us greatly now that he is back to full health.”
Kittredge (pronounced KIT-rij) missed parts of the 2022 and 2023 seasons while recovering from “Tommy John” surgery. He finished the 2023 campaign with a 2-0 mark and 3.09 ERA in 14 games down the stretch, helping the Rays earn a Wild Card berth. He made one scoreless relief appearance in the Rays opening round playoff series vs. Texas.
Kittredge allowed runs in just two of his 14 games (11.2 IP) pitched after returning to the Rays active roster on August 18, and fanned 10 batters.
During his All-Star season of 2021, Kittredge ranked 7th among American League relief pitchers with a 0.96 WHIP. His .720 (18-7) career winning pct. is 4th best among all pitchers with 180 or more appearances during the span of his career that began in 2017.
Kittredge was a 45th round draft selection by Seattle in the 2008 amateur draft, but did not sign and attended the University of Washington. He later signed with Seattle in 2011 as an undrafted free agent, and was dealt to Tampa Bay on November 18, 2016 in a five-player trade that included former Cardinals infielder Taylor Motter who was sent to the Mariners in that deal.
Palacios, 26, joined the Cardinals roster in mid-August, appearing in 32 games. He was acquired on June 16 from the Cleveland Guardians and was assigned to Memphis (AAA).
Brian Walton’s take
In late 2023 as injuries decimated St. Louis’ lineup, Palacios made a nice initial impression, hitting six home runs and posting an .823 OPS. However, with the roster at full strength, and even after the trade of Tyler O’Neill, Palacios was the team’s sixth outfielder. That the Cardinals were able to flip a role player acquired for cash into a serviceable reliever seems a positive return for them.
Even so, Kittredge is probably a short-termer. He is just one year away from free agency and is projected to make $2.3 million via arbitration in 2024, per MLB Trade Rumors.
The only real question with the former closer and All-Star is his health. Prior to the Tommy John surgery noted, he missed time with back issues and will be 34 years old on Opening Day. If healthy, Kittredge is expected to join Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos at the back end of the Cardinals bullpen.
For more
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation, refreshed today.
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Cardinals Add Two More Minor Leaguers from Independent BallThe St. Louis Cardinals made their second and third recent minor league player additions from independent ball, a catcher and a right-handed pitcher with a high K rate.
photo: Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
To begin our annual year-end series, we ranked the Top 10 stories affecting the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023. The dominating story was the dramatic fall of the club from 2022 division winner to 2023 last-place finisher, followed by the resulting July player sell-off and the challenging conclusion to Adam Wainwright’s career.
The Cardinal Nation’s Top 10 St. Louis Cardinals Stories of 2023
To close out the three-article series, it is time for my annual predictions of the top story lines that may grab the largest headlines throughout this New Year of 2024.
The top story is customarily the easiest and most logical one – the results of the team on the field during the upcoming season. However, that is assumed so will be excluded from these predictions.
As I compiled the list and set the rankings, I considered the staying power of the story – how long it might remain in the headlines – as well as its potential short- and long-term impact – both on the 2024 Cardinals and the organization’s future.
Without further ado, here are my projected top St. Louis Cardinals stories of 2024. As always, your comments are encouraged at The Cardinal Nation’s free message board.
The Cardinals’ major changes to try to correct the 2023 nosedive are the signing of three veteran free agent starting pitchers. The intent is to get more quality innings from the rotation and put less pressure on the bullpen.
One associated risk taken is that the Cardinals now have one of the oldest rotations in the Major Leagues, backed up primarily by unproven youths.
(ages as of Opening Day 2024)
Without the veteran leadership of the retired Wainwright, perhaps the new trio, led by Gray with his three-year contract, can help fill that void.
The offense has most of its same players back from 2023 and is expected to continue to be a strength of the club. So, as the retooled (and long in the tooth or very experienced, depending on your perspective) rotation goes, so may the 2024 Cardinals team.
In just two years at the helm of the Cardinals, manager Oliver Marmol has experienced extreme highs (93 wins and the division title in 2022) and deep lows (91 losses in 2023, the worst finish in 33 years).
Marmol’s original three-year contract concludes with the upcoming season. There is a wide range of possible outcomes for what may come next.
If the 37-year-old is offered an extension, or perhaps does not even finish the 2024 schedule, will be a direct result of whether the team returns to 2022 form or delivers more of the same from 2023. The longer that remains in question, the longer Marmol’s lame duck status may continue.
There seem to be several motives for the Cardinals’ decision to bring in starting pitchers Gray, Lynn and Gibson, including making a quick, but short-term fix that did not break the bank. It also buys the organization time. In the case of the latter two signees, the team issued one-year contracts with 2025 options.
The Cardinals can use 2024 to try to determine which (if any) of their pitching prospects closest to St. Louis can ready themselves to step into the 2025 rotation. Incumbents with Major League experience include Matthew Liberatore, Zack Thompson and July trade acquisition Drew Rom. Other prospects added late in the 2023 season include Tekoah Roby, Adam Kloffenstein and Sem Robberse. Homegrown candidates include Gordon Graceffo, Michael McGreevy and Tink Hence.
Nine pitchers, especially starters, are a lot to sort through, but it needs to be done during the upcoming season. Otherwise, stopgaps Lynn and Gibson (or the like) could remain part of the 2025 picture, as well.
Paul Goldschmidt is an anchor of the Cardinals and I don’t intend to disrespect the 2022 National League Most Valuable Player by making this story number four. However, I suspect no drama or conflict is coming.
The 36-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, but perhaps unlike his manager, Goldschmidt is not on shaky ground. The Cardinals have a history of working out spring multi-year contract extensions and I expect the first baseman will come to terms with the club on a contract that will enable him to finish his career with St. Louis.
While Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras aren’t likely to be going anywhere, they are all on the other side of 30.
Improvement from the Cardinals offense in 2024 could be focused on a pair of 21-year-olds who will report to spring camp as presumed starters at their respective positions. Right fielder Jordan Walker and shortstop Masyn Winn have been closely linked since they were drafted in the first and second rounds, respectively, in 2020.
However, their to-do lists for 2024 are almost opposite. Walker needs to improve his defense while Winn needs to show that his Triple-A offense can be carried over to the highest level.
The outfielder has most of a year with St. Louis to build upon, but the shortstop may feel more pressure this spring after a very slow late-2023 debut with the bat.
In the short term, if the two can truly break out, it would be the kind of performances that could help turn a borderline club into a contender. For the long haul, it could enable them to evolve into roles as part of the next generation of team leaders.
This article concludes our annual series for another year, but we will be back in 12 months to see how we did and start the process all over again. Please join us!
Related articles:
The Cardinal Nation’s Top 10 St. Louis Cardinals Stories of 2023
Revisiting TCN’s Top St. Louis Cardinals Stories of 2023 Predictions
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If you enjoyed this article, please consider joining The Cardinal Nation to receive the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
© 2024 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
