The St. Louis Cardinals have built one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history since their founding in 1882. While 2021 saw a disappointing early playoff exit, the Cardinals remain fiercely competitive with high expectations for 2022 and beyond. Let’s take an in-depth look at how the team is positioned heading into the new season.
After making the postseason in 2020 during the COVID-19 shortened season, the Cardinals fell short of expectations last year with a 90-72 record and a Wild Card round exit at the hands of the Dodgers. However, 90 wins is still a strong benchmark that illustrates the consistent winning culture in St. Louis. That winning tradition starts at the top with Cardinals’ leadership. William DeWitt Jr. has owned the team since 1996 and presided over three World Series titles and a commitment to fielding competitive teams each year. Longtime president of baseball operations John Mozeliak and manager Oliver Marmol will look to get the Cardinals back in the hunt in 2022.
On the pitching side, the Cardinals remain anchored by future Hall of Famer Adam Wainwright who re-signed for another year at age 41 after posting a 17-7 record in 2021. Wainwright continues to defy Father Time and provides invaluable leadership to the staff. Behind him, Miles Mikolas returns as the number two starter after an injury-plagued 2021 limited him to just two starts. A full, healthy season from Mikolas could provide a major boost. Jack Flaherty also hopes to rebound from a shoulder injury that cost him most of last season. When healthy, Flaherty is one of the best young power arms in the game.
In the bullpen, closer Ryan Helsley emerged as a force last season in saving 12 games with a microscopic 0.89 ERA. Fellow power arm Giovanny Gallegos has thrived in high-leverage relief roles as well. Jordan Hicks continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery and adds more flame throwing if he can regain past form. On the whole, St. Louis has one of the deepest and nastiest bullpens in the NL which gives them a distinct advantage each October.
Offense has usually not been the Cardinals’ strong suit in recent years but the lineup has slowly been improving. 22-year old rookie outfielder Dylan Carlson took a leap forward in 2021 and looks poised for stardom, slashing .266/.343/.437 with 20 homers. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt continues to produce at an All-Star level at age 34. Newly acquired core members Nolan Arenado and Tyler O’Neill from a blockbuster trade last season also settled in nicely in their first year in St. Louis.
Some question marks remain around returning starters Harrison Bader, who battled injuries last year, and third baseman Nolan Gorman, one of the organization’s top prospects who may push for regular playing time in 2022. Veteran catcher Yadier Molina also continues to defy Father Time at 39 years old but his production has declined and he will rely more on his legendary defense and pitch framing skills. With a balanced lineup and potent pitching staff, the Cardinals feel they have the necessary talent to contend once again in 2022.
Looking ahead to this season, the Cardinals have high expectations but will face challenges from defending NL Central champion Brewers as well as up-and-coming Reds and Cubs teams also looking to break through. With strong veteran leadership from the likes of Wainwright, Molina, Goldschmidt and Arenado combined with an influx of talented young players, optimism abounds for another October run in St. Louis. After last year’s disappointment, the 2022 Cardinals are a popular pick to reclaim their division title and make another deep playoff push. Under long-serving manager Oliver Marmol and president John Mozeliak, this franchise knows how to consistently field competitive teams. With one of baseball’s richest histories, the Cardinals look primed to add to their legacy this season.
While 2021 saw the Cardinals fall short of expectations, this franchise has proven time and again that they know how to reload and compete at a high level year in and year out. With a balanced roster featuring battle-tested veterans combined with an exciting young core, optimism is high that 2022 represents another opportunity for October baseball and a chance to add to the storied history of this iconic Midwest franchise. After 40 championships, the Cardinals remain one of the standard bearers for baseball success and they will be a popular pick by experts to hoist more hardware before the 2022 campaign comes to a close.
