The 2022 St. Louis Cardinals baseball team looks to improve upon their 90-72 record from 2021 and return to the postseason. As Cardinals fans eagerly await the start of the new season, they can scratch that baseball itch by collecting 2022 Cardinals baseball cards featuring their favorite players. This year’s Cardinals roster remains competitive with many established stars still in the fold alongside some promising young talent. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key Cardinals players who will have baseball cards released in 2022 box sets and packs.
Perhaps the greatest Cardinal of this generation is veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Now entering his 4th season in St. Louis after a blockbuster trade from Arizona, Goldschmidt remains incredibly consistent and productive at the plate. Despite being 34 years old, Goldschmidt batted .299 with 24 home runs and 81 RBI in 2021, finishing 6th in MVP voting. His legendary work ethic and dedication to staying in peak physical condition have allowed Goldschmidt to remain one of MLB’s elite first basemen well into his 30s. Cardinals fans will be eager to add the latest Goldschmidt baseball cards to their collections in search of his distinctive left-handed swing captured on the front.
Nolan Arenado has only been in St. Louis for one season after arriving in a trade with Colorado, but he has quickly endeared himself to Cardinals fans with his dazzling defense at third base and his improved offensive production from his final years with the Rockies. Arenado put together an All-Star caliber campaign in 2021 with 34 home runs and 105 RBI, finishing third in NL MVP voting. At just 31 years old, Arenado remains in his prime and should continue posting amazing all-around stats for years to come. Arenado’s 2022 baseball cards will be hot commodities given his new contract and status as a franchise cornerstone.
Another key producer who will certainly garner card collector interest is veteran outfielder Tyler O’Neill. After a breakout 2021 season that saw him slug 33 home runs and drive in 80 runs, O’Neill has established himself as a true power threat from the left side of the plate. When O’Neill gets hot at the plate, he is capable of carrying the Cardinals offense for extended stretches. His emerging star power coupled with his boundless energy and emotion on the field have made O’Neill a fan favorite. Young collectors will want to obtain O’Neill’s rookie cards, while all fans will look for another big season captured on his latest base cards.
On the mound, ace right-hander Adam Wainwright continues turning back the clock at the advanced age of 40 years old. Wainwright put together one of the best seasons by any pitcher in 2021, going 17-7 with a 3.05 ERA and leading the NL in wins. Now entering his 17th season with St. Louis, Wainwright has cemented his status as not just one of the greatest Cardinals ever, but as one of the best control pitchers of his generation. The respect and admiration Cardinals fans have for Wainwright cannot be overstated, making his 2022 cards a must-have for fans both young and old.
Perhaps the most exciting player collectors can look for on 2022 Cardinals cards is young outfielder Dylan Carlson. After a strong rookie campaign in 2020, Carlson broke out in his sophomore season by batting .266 with 20 HRs and 65 RBI at just 22 years old. Carlson made major improvements to his plate approach and power numbers, demonstrating why he is considered the club’s future star in both center field and as a lineup anchor. With his talent and pedigree, Carlson has the upside to one day compete for MVP awards. Savvy collectors may want to snap up his affordable base cards now before his star and collecting price ascends even higher in the future.
In addition to the above cornerstone names, fans can look forward to cards for other important contributors like catcher Yadier Molina, shortstop Paul DeJong, utilityman Tommy Edman, and veteran starters Miles Mikolas and Jack Flaherty when healthy. Young hurlers like Matthew Liberatore and pack opening hitters like Juan Yepez give the Cardinals an exciting mix of grizzled veterans and emerging stars to chase across all 2022 card products. As Opening Day approaches, Cardinals fans can get their baseball fix scoping out the plethora of players from their club available in the new season’s card releases. Collectors both local to St. Louis and worldwide will enjoy tracking these key Redbirds and adding them to their collections.
With a talented veteran core and influx of youthful additions, the 2022 Cardinals have a successful season within their reach. As the club tries to return to October baseball, fans will have a renewed passion for collecting that could drive demand and increases in value for certain Cardinals stars. Following another captivating season on the diamond, 2023 could bring about even greater fervor from collectors for stars like Goldschmidt, Arenado, Carlson and more in hopes of commemorating their latest accomplishments on cardboard. No matter the on-field results, 2022 promises to deliver an exciting new crop of baseball cards for collectors to chase featuring this iconic MLB franchise and it’s top performers both old and new.
