St. Louis Cardinals

Draft History
2024
Jordan Walker - protection
21 - Colton Cowser
51 - Tyler Holton
81 - Will Vest
111 - Carlos Perez
141 - Chris Devenski

2023
Brendon Donovan - protection
27 - David Robertson
57 - Penn Murfee
87 - Dylan Lee
117 - Matt Bush
147 - Drew VerHagen

2022
Lars Nootbaar - protection
10 - Gavin Sheets
41 - Matt Duffy
58 - Reiver SanMartin
71 - Zac Lowther
95 - Kervin Castro

2021
Dylan Carlson - protection
54 - Johan Oviedo
84 - Bruce Zimmerman
114 - Jahmai Jones
126 - Jake Woodford

2020
Gavin Lux - protection

2019
Max Muncy - protection
19 - David Bote
49 - Meibrys Viloria
79 - Jacob Nix
109 - Chase d'Arnaud

2018
Cody Bellinger - protection
24 - Johan Camargo
54 - Sam Tuivailala

2017
Julio Urias - protection
3 - Alex Reyes
33 - Matt Bush
63 - Brett Eibner
93 - Brian Flynn
123 - Chris Heisey

2016
Corey Seager - protection

5 - Steven Matz
35 - Adonis Garcia
95 - Hanser Alberto

2015
Joc Pederson - protection
7 - Aaron Sanchez
86 - Drew Butera
127 - Eric Jokisch

2014
Yasiel Puig - protection
13 - Carlos Martinez
21 - Robbie Erlin
23 - Brandon Kintzler
64 - Taylor Jordan
87 - Chris Colabello
133 - Chris Rusin

2013
Paco Rodriguez - protection
12 - Matt Adams
38 - Phillippe Aumont
47 - Casey Kelly

2012
Dee Gordon - protection
102 - Rafael Perez
109 - Anthony Swarzak
130 - Justin Ruggiano
132 - Jose Constanza

2011
Kenley Jansen - protection
24 - Ruben Tejada
54 - Gregor Blanco
84 - Danny Worth
114 - Garrett Atkins
144 - Mike Baxter

2010
Ronald Belisario - protection
45 - Matt Maloney
86 - Koyie Hill

87 - Freddy Garcia
117 - Hayden Penn
147 - A.J. Ellis

2009
Clayton Kershaw - protection
51 - Clayton Richards
90 - Scott Elbert
104 - Josh Geer
132 - Evan Meek
150 - Tug Hulett

2008
Andy LaRoche - protection
81 - Nick Blackburn
116 - Josh Anderson
119 - Seth Smith
132 - Tyler Clippard

2007
Russell Martin - protection
34 - Erick Aybar
87 - Yusmeiro Petit

117 - Greg Dobbs
124 - Tyler Johnson
147 - Skip Schumaker

2006
Jonathan Broxton - protection
29 - Dustin Nippert
65 - Willy Aybar

92 - Hong-Chih Kou
140 - Rene Rivera

2005
Yhency Brazoban - protection
96 - Mike Gosling

114 - Jorge De la Rosa
130 - Scott Erickson
138 - Derrick Turnbow
143 - Aquillino Lopez

2004
Edwin Jackson - protection
18 - Aaron Heilman
23 - Jesse Foppert

46 - Dave Ross
144 - Peter Bergeron

2003

John Lackey - protection
58 - Andy Van Hekken
64 - Mike Bynum
74 - Scot Shields
139 - Mike Benjamin

2002
David Eckstein - protection
71 - Damian Rolls
76 - Willis Roberts
87 - Jeremy Fikac
115 - Lou Merloni
120 - Hideki Irabu
125 - Blaine Neal
150 - Jose Molina

2001
16 - Brian Tollberg
61 - Juan Castro

146 - Dave Nilsson
150 - Javier Valentin

2025 St. Louis Cardinals

Overview: The Cardinals are yet another quality club in a division overflowing with them. Like the Phillies, there aren’t any glaring needs here other than a few arms to add depth to the bullpen. However, unlike the Phillies, I do not see St. Louis threatening to win the Central. The lineup is good, not great. The same assessment holds true of the pitching staff. Which is to say, maybe management should petition to play in a different division?

Starting Pitching: This rotation is fundamentally equivalent to that of others in the division (with the exception of the “Twinkies”). That is, the Cardinals’ starters will perform moderately well overall. With All-Pro Clayton Kershaw due to miss a large chunk of the season, Michael Wacha finds himself as the projected ace while Bailey Falter and Jose Quintana make serviceable middle rotation guys. They are both lefties though and may wind up getting split up somehow. Off-season acquisition Miles Mikolas will struggle in the 4-hole but adds another Homer to a roster full of them. Andre Pallante makes a fine five-man to round out this solid group. Tyler Holton can contribute a handful of starts (presumably spelling Mikolas), which will result in a significant upgrade when it happens. His presence allows me to justify a grade of (B-).

Relief Pitching: The Cards sure like their southpaws. They possess a diverse trio of quality southpaws in the pen, including Matthew Liberatore (traditional loogy), Tyler Holton (when not starting he will be the top 9th inning option as he shreds on both sides of the plate), and Dylan Lee (a reverse lefty). David Robertson chips in some more high-quality setup innings as a reverse righty. After that there is a sharp decline in quality--Steven Matz and Jake Woodford will mop up if they pitch at all, so there is some room to grow here as some middle guys will need to be signed to support a very nice back half. As is: (B-)

Catchers: Keibert Ruiz factors as the everyday backstop in St. Louis this season. As he is rather uninspiring both offensively and defensively, one is left to wonder whether this is a blessing or a curse. One thing is certain: he will be busy throwing at baserunners until the bullpen gets involved. Ali Sanchez is the backup and may see occasional action as a late-inning defensive replacement. This just isn’t one of the Cardinals’ strengths. (C)
Designated Hitter. Joc Pederson looks as though he’ll start whenever a right-handed pitcher takes the mound. His platoon mate projects to be outfielder Dylan Carson, which makes a fair pairing. (B)

Infield: This crew has a very So-Cal feel to it. Perennial producer Cody Bellinger appears slated to play first base in 2025, even if his production isn’t what it once was. Gavin Lux will plug into the lineup every day at 2nd base, though he could benefit from a platoon partner to help against lefties. Newly acquired Masyn Winn offers a nice package at shortstop: some pop, some speed, some glove, and plenty of future upside. Third base duties will be split between a pair of 34-year-olds, Max Muncy and Kyle Farmer. Defensively this group is promising with 60% of the primary personnel bringing VG gloves to work every day. Offensively this group (and the lineup in general) will struggle against left-handed pitching so management may need to address this if any dreams of a post-season appearance are to be realized. (B-)

Outfield: This is Homer central for the Redbirds. Five carded Cardinals populate the outfield and should see roughly 100% of the PA’s available there. Defensively speaking this group is unmatched in the NBC. Hitters will find it nearly impossible to thread needles into this Spectacular tapestry: Michael Siani, Brendan Donovan, and Lars Nootbaar. That’s right, all three full-time starters are Spectacular. Donovan’s arm is the only negative aspect, but that’s a small price to pay for trotting this terrific trio out every day. Protection pick Victor Scott II will ride the pine this season as he continues to develop and will act as a backup along with Jordan Walker. Dylan Carson provides another option though he seems expected to help at DH this year. Offensively this group won’t kill you and there is a bit of speed. Defense is this outfield’s unique calling card earns them a (B).

Conclusion: There are worse fates than finishing fourth in a division fat with talent. That’s a good thing for the Cardinals because 4th place is about where I see them finishing, not because they aren’t deserving of more, but because NL Central houses too many hot shots this season. Retooling might be the best option for the Cardinals in ’25, but it seems as though the Cardinals may take their chances and see if their defense is somehow enough to steal them a post-season berth.