Active St. Louis Cardinals Roster Cardinals Roster

41-35, 2nd in NL Central

vs CIN

6:15 pm GMT, 6/21

Bursting with vibrant energy and determination, the St. Louis Cardinals lineup delivers a formidable offensive approach ready to outlast any pitching challenge; stay current with today's Cardinals lineup by checking out the Cardinals lineup and the Cardinals depth chart for the latest roster updates.
POS NAME NUMBER HEIGHT WEIGHT AGE BIRTHDAY EXP. COLLEGE
SP Steven Matz Steven Matz S. Matz 32 6' 2" 205 33 5/29/91 12th season
SP Sonny Gray Sonny Gray S. Gray 54 5' 10" 190 35 11/7/89 14th season Vanderbilt
SP Miles Mikolas Miles Mikolas M. Mikolas 39 6' 4" 230 36 8/23/88 11th season Nova Southeastern (FL)
SP Erick Fedde Erick Fedde E. Fedde 12 6' 4" 205 32 2/25/93 9th season Nevada-Las Vegas
SP Matthew Liberatore Matthew Liberatore M. Liberatore 52 6' 4" 215 25 11/6/99 5th season
SP Andre Pallante Andre Pallante A. Pallante 53 6' 0" 215 26 9/18/98 5th season UC Irvine
RP Andre Granillo Andre Granillo A. Granillo 65 6' 4" 250 24 5/12/00 2nd season UC Riverside
RP Kyle Leahy Kyle Leahy K. Leahy 62 6' 5" 225 27 6/4/97 4th season Colorado Mesa
RP John King John King J. King 47 6' 2" 215 30 9/14/94 7th season Houston
RP Phil Maton Phil Maton P. Maton 88 6' 2" 206 32 3/25/93 10th season Louisiana Tech
RP Ryan Helsley Ryan Helsley R. Helsley 56 6' 2" 235 30 7/18/94 8th season Northeastern State (OK)
RP Riley O'Brien Riley O'Brien R. O'Brien 55 6' 4" 180 30 2/6/95 5th season College of Idaho
RP JoJo Romero JoJo Romero J. Romero 59 5' 11" 215 28 9/9/96 7th season Yavapai JC (AZ)
C Cooper Criswell Cooper Criswell C. Criswell 43 5' 11" 245 26 9/17/98 3rd season Florida Atlantic
C Yohel Pozo Yohel Pozo Y. Pozo 63 5' 11" 201 27 6/14/97 3rd season
1B Alec Burleson Alec Burleson A. Burleson 41 6' 0" 225 26 11/25/98 5th season East Carolina
1B Willson Contreras Willson Contreras W. Contreras 40 6' 1" 240 32 5/13/92 11th season
2B Brendan Donovan Brendan Donovan B. Donovan 33 5' 11" 210 28 1/16/97 5th season South Alabama
2B Nolan Gorman Nolan Gorman N. Gorman 16 6' 0" 225 24 5/10/00 5th season
3B Nolan Arenado Nolan Arenado N. Arenado 28 6' 2" 215 33 4/16/91 14th season
SS Thomas Saggese Thomas Saggese T. Saggese 25 5' 11" 185 22 4/10/02 3rd season
SS Masyn Winn Masyn Winn M. Winn 0 5' 9" 185 23 3/21/02 4th season
SS Jose Israel Garcia Jose Israel Garcia J. I. Garcia 27 6' 4" 211 26 4/5/98 6th season
RF Jordan Walker Jordan Walker J. Walker 18 6' 6" 250 22 5/22/02 4th season
CF Victor Scott Victor Scott V. Scott 11 5' 11" 190 24 2/12/01 3rd season West Virginia
LF Lars Nootbaar Lars Nootbaar L. Nootbaar 21 6' 1" 205 27 9/8/97 6th season Southern California

St. Louis Cardinals Roster: Analysis & Insights

The St. Louis Cardinals roster is more than just a collection of names—it represents a blend of emerging talent, seasoned veterans, and a storied baseball tradition that drives on-field performance and fan engagement. Understanding how player roles, recent performance, and positional matchups affect the team can provide valuable insights for fantasy baseball, daily roster decisions, and promotional opportunities. This page explores key aspects such as lefty/righty splits and advanced analytics to reveal the roster’s strengths and challenges.

Lefty/Righty Roster Splits

Many players on the Cardinals perform differently depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher. A roster heavy with right-handed bats might face challenges against dominant right-handers, while a lefty-skewed group can often capitalize on pitchers with less effective splits. These trends are crucial for both on-field strategy and roster construction, offering insights into when and where platoon advantages can be leveraged. Analyzing these matchups also highlights potential breakout candidates for daily fantasy and in-game decisions.

Recent Player Performance

The current form of each player is key to understanding the Cardinals’ overall effectiveness. Whether a hitter is in a slump or on a hot streak, adjustments in performance metrics—such as exit velocity, expected batting average (xBA), barrel rate, and hard-hit percentage—can influence how the roster is evaluated. Many betting sites rapidly update their projections based on these advanced stats, giving fans and fantasy managers timely insights to optimize their rosters.

Advanced Analytics in Roster Evaluation

Modern roster analysis goes beyond traditional statistics. Metrics like weighted on-base average (wOBA), isolated power (ISO), and expected slugging percentage (xSLG) offer a deeper look at each player's true performance. Statcast data such as launch angle and exit velocity further refine our understanding of whether a player is under- or over-performing relative to expectations. This analytical approach uncovers inefficiencies and strengths within the roster, which is pivotal for fantasy baseball and strategic planning.

Impact of Bullpen Depth on the Roster

The bullpen plays a critical role in the overall success of the Cardinals, influencing late-game performance and roster decisions. A deep, reliable bullpen can secure wins in tight contests, while inconsistency may force adjustments in the starting roster or overall team strategy. Metrics like bullpen ERA, strikeout-to-walk ratios, and inherited runner strand rates offer essential insights into the performance and reliability of the Cardinals’ relief corps.

Exclusive Fan Promos for Cardinals Enthusiasts

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Late Roster Changes: Their Impact on Team Dynamics

Unexpected changes in the roster—whether due to rest days, minor injuries, or tactical shifts—can have a significant effect on the Cardinals’ overall performance. Adjustments often prompt rapid changes in team production expectations, influencing both game strategy and fantasy baseball projections. Early identification of these shifts allows managers and fans to adapt quickly.

Shifts in Team Production

If a key offensive player is sidelined, the overall production of the team may see measurable declines. Such changes are often reflected in revised run totals and altered projections for individual contributions. Recognizing these shifts early provides a strategic edge for those closely following the roster.

Opportunities in Under-the-Radar Talent

Roster adjustments can create unexpected opportunities for backup players. When starters miss games, lesser-known players might step in and deliver strong performances, often leading to mispriced projections in fantasy and statistical models. Monitoring these trends can uncover value in emerging talent.

Analyzing the Cardinals Starting Roster for DFS

Success in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) begins with a deep understanding of the Cardinals roster. Building a competitive DFS roster requires close attention to batting order, player roles, matchup specifics, and game conditions. This analysis helps identify which players are poised to exceed expectations on any given day.

The Role of Batting Order

The position of a player in the batting order significantly influences their potential contributions. Top-of-the-order players receive more plate appearances, enhancing their value for run production and statistical accumulation, while players lower in the order might serve as high-upside, low-ownership picks.

  • Leadoff hitters – Typically feature high on-base percentages and speed, making them valuable for generating runs.
  • Middle-order bats – Offer significant RBI potential and power, often contributing across multiple scoring categories.
  • Lower-order hitters – May offer hidden value and breakout opportunities.

Matchup Considerations

Not all players perform equally against every pitcher. Evaluating how hitters match up against different pitching styles—including handedness and pitch tendencies—can reveal which segments of the roster are most likely to excel. This insight is critical for both DFS selections and strategic roster planning.

Weather and Ballpark Factors

External factors like weather conditions and ballpark dimensions also play a crucial role in player performance. Wind, temperature, and stadium characteristics can impact a hitter’s ability to drive the ball, further influencing the overall output of the roster. Such considerations are essential for forecasting game-day performance and optimizing DFS rosters.

Season-Long Fantasy Baseball & the Cardinals Roster

Impact of Batting Order on Fantasy Value

The Cardinals batting order is a key determinant in season-long fantasy baseball success. Players higher in the order naturally accumulate more scoring opportunities, while a stable roster can offer consistent value over the season. For fantasy managers, understanding these dynamics is essential when drafting and adjusting their rosters.

Top vs. Bottom of the Order

Leadoff and top-of-the-order players typically generate the most runs and stolen bases, making them prime selections in standard fantasy formats. Meanwhile, players at the bottom may offer sleeper potential, particularly if they exhibit strong on-base skills or speed. Analyzing these roles provides a roadmap for maximizing fantasy production throughout the season.

Tracking Roster Trends

Injuries, slumps, and managerial decisions can lead to significant shifts in the Cardinals roster over the course of a season. Keeping track of these trends is vital for identifying emerging players before their value is fully recognized. Early roster adjustments can lead to advantageous waiver wire pickups and more informed fantasy decisions.

Historic Roster Legends: The Best & Worst Rosters

The Best Cardinals Roster of All Time

The Cardinals have a rich legacy with several memorable rosters that have defined eras in the franchise. One standout example is the team that combined dominant pitching, timely hitting, and strong defense to capture a championship. This roster set a high standard for the organization and continues to be celebrated by fans.

The Worst Cardinals Roster of All Time

Every franchise faces challenging periods. The Cardinals have had seasons where roster construction and on-field performance did not meet expectations, resulting in underwhelming records and missed opportunities. These difficult rosters, while part of the team's evolution, serve as reminders of the growth that has shaped the modern Cardinals.