As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, baseball fans across the country eagerly await the start of a new season. For fans of the St. Louis Cardinals, this anticipation is especially palpable as the team prepares for its 2024 Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida.
This year’s Spring Training holds particular significance for the Cardinals, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season. After a historic 17-game winning streak propelled them to the top of the NL Central standings, the team faltered down the stretch and ultimately missed the playoffs. However, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Cardinals as they head into 2024, thanks to a number of key additions to the roster.
With a new manager at the helm and several exciting young players ready to make their mark, the Cardinals are poised for a strong showing in 2024. Let’s take a closer look at some of the storylines to watch for as the team gears up for the upcoming season.
St Louis Cardinals Spring Training 2024
With a new manager and several exciting young players, the Cardinals are poised for a strong showing in 2024. Here are 10 important points to watch for during Spring Training:
- New manager: Oliver Marmol takes over after Mike Shildt’s departure.
- Young talent: Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, and others look to make an impact.
- Offseason additions: Corey Dickerson and Nick Wittgren bolster the roster.
- Healthy Goldschmidt: A fully healthy Paul Goldschmidt is key to the Cardinals’ success.
- Arenado’s bounce-back: Nolan Arenado looks to rebound after a down year in 2023.
- Bullpen questions: The Cardinals need to find reliable relievers behind Ryan Helsley.
- Starting rotation depth: Who will step up behind Jack Flaherty and Miles Mikolas?
- Catcher competition: Andrew Knizner and Ivan Herrera vie for starting role.
- Bader’s return: Harrison Bader’s return from injury is a major boost to the outfield.
- Fan excitement: Cardinals fans are eager to see the team rebound in 2024.
These are just a few of the storylines to watch for as the Cardinals gear up for the 2024 season. With a new manager and several exciting young players, the team is poised for a strong showing. Cardinals fans have reason to be optimistic as the team prepares for Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida.
New manager: Oliver Marmol takes over after Mike Shildt’s departure.
After a disappointing 2023 season, the Cardinals parted ways with manager Mike Shildt and brought in Oliver Marmol to lead the team in 2024. Marmol, who served as Shildt’s bench coach for the past three seasons, is a rising star in the managerial ranks and is widely respected throughout baseball.
- Fresh perspective: Marmol brings a fresh perspective and a new energy to the Cardinals’ dugout.
- Player-friendly approach: Marmol is known for his player-friendly approach and his ability to connect with players on a personal level.
- Tactical acumen: Marmol is a highly regarded tactician who is known for his attention to detail and his ability to make quick decisions during games.
- World Series experience: Marmol was a member of the Cardinals’ coaching staff during their World Series victory in 2011.
Cardinals fans are hopeful that Marmol can help the team rebound from its disappointing 2023 season and lead them back to the playoffs. Marmol has a strong track record and is well-respected throughout baseball. He is seen as a rising star in the managerial ranks and Cardinals fans are excited to see what he can accomplish in 2024.
Young talent: Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, and others look to make an impact.
The Cardinals have a number of exciting young players who are looking to make a big impact in 2024. Here are a few of the most notable names:
Nolan Gorman: The Cardinals’ top prospect, Gorman is a highly touted third baseman who is expected to make his MLB debut in 2024. He is a powerful hitter with a good eye at the plate and the potential to be a middle-of-the-order force.
Matthew Liberatore: A left-handed pitcher, Liberatore is another highly regarded prospect who is expected to join the Cardinals’ rotation in 2024. He has a great fastball and a developing changeup and slider. Liberatore has the potential to be a frontline starter.
Brendan Donovan: A utility player who can play second base, third base, and the outfield, Donovan made his MLB debut in 2022 and quickly established himself as a valuable player. He is a good hitter with a knack for getting on base, and he is also a solid defender.
Juan Yepez: A first baseman and designated hitter, Yepez also made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed some flashes of power. He hit 15 home runs in just 75 games, and he is expected to play a bigger role in the Cardinals’ offense in 2024.
These are just a few of the young players who are looking to make an impact for the Cardinals in 2024. With these talented players coming up through the ranks, the Cardinals have a bright future.
Cardinals fans are excited to see what these young players can accomplish in 2024. If they can live up to their potential, the Cardinals could be a force to be reckoned with in the NL Central.
Offseason additions: Corey Dickerson and Nick Wittgren bolster the roster.
The Cardinals made a few key additions to their roster during the offseason, including outfielder Corey Dickerson and reliever Nick Wittgren. These players are expected to play important roles for the Cardinals in 2024.
- Corey Dickerson: A veteran outfielder, Dickerson is a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger. He is a good hitter with power and a solid on-base percentage. Dickerson is expected to provide the Cardinals with a boost in the middle of their lineup.
- Nick Wittgren: A right-handed reliever, Wittgren has pitched in the majors for seven seasons. He has a good fastball and a variety of off-speed pitches. Wittgren is expected to be a key member of the Cardinals’ bullpen in 2024.
Dickerson and Wittgren are both solid players who are expected to make a positive impact on the Cardinals in 2024. Dickerson is a proven hitter who can provide the Cardinals with some much-needed power, while Wittgren is a reliable reliever who can help stabilize the bullpen.
Cardinals fans are excited to see what these new additions can bring to the team in 2024. If Dickerson and Wittgren can live up to expectations, they could help the Cardinals make a run at the NL Central title.
Healthy Goldschmidt: A fully healthy Paul Goldschmidt is key to the Cardinals’ success.
Paul Goldschmidt is one of the best players in baseball, and he is absolutely crucial to the Cardinals’ success. When Goldschmidt is healthy and playing at his best, he is one of the most productive hitters in the league. He is a great hitter with power, a good eye at the plate, and the ability to get on base consistently. He is also a solid defender at first base.
Unfortunately, Goldschmidt has struggled with injuries in recent years. He missed significant time in both 2021 and 2022 due to various injuries. When he is on the field, he is still a very good player, but he is not quite the same player that he was when he was healthy.
If Goldschmidt can stay healthy in 2024, he will be a huge boost to the Cardinals’ lineup. He is the team’s best hitter and he makes everyone else around him better. With Goldschmidt in the lineup, the Cardinals are a much more dangerous team.
Cardinals fans are hoping that Goldschmidt can finally stay healthy in 2024. If he can, he could lead the Cardinals to a World Series title.
Goldschmidt is a key player for the Cardinals, and his health is a major factor in the team’s success. If he can stay healthy in 2024, he could be the difference between the Cardinals winning the World Series and missing the playoffs.
Arenado’s bounce-back: Nolan Arenado looks to rebound after a down year in 2023.
Nolan Arenado is one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball, but he struggled at the plate in 2023. He hit just .253 with 14 home runs and 62 RBIs, which were all career lows. Arenado is still a valuable player, but he needs to be better at the plate in 2024.
- Health: Arenado was bothered by a shoulder injury in 2023, which may have affected his performance at the plate.
- BABIP: Arenado’s BABIP (batting average on balls in play) was just .252 in 2023, which was well below his career average of .303. This suggests that he was unlucky on some of his batted balls.
- Approach: Arenado may have been trying to do too much at the plate in 2023. He struck out 179 times, which was the second-highest total in the NL. He needs to be more patient at the plate and take more walks.
Arenado is a talented player, and he has shown that he can be one of the best players in baseball. If he can stay healthy and make some adjustments at the plate, he could be a huge asset to the Cardinals in 2024.
Cardinals fans are hoping that Arenado can bounce back in 2024. He is a key player for the team, and they need him to be at his best if they want to compete for a World Series title.
Bullpen questions: The Cardinals need to find reliable relievers behind Ryan Helsley.
Ryan Helsley is one of the best young relievers in baseball, but the Cardinals need to find some reliable relievers to pitch behind him. The team’s bullpen was a major weakness in 2023, and it cost them several games.
- Lack of depth: The Cardinals’ bullpen is lacking in depth. Helsley is the only reliever who is consistently reliable, and there are several pitchers who have struggled with injuries or inconsistency.
- High-leverage innings: The Cardinals need to find someone who can consistently pitch high-leverage innings. Giovanny Gallegos was supposed to fill that role, but he has struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
- Left-handed relievers: The Cardinals need to find a left-handed reliever who can get left-handed batters out. They have several right-handed relievers, but they don’t have a reliable left-hander.
The Cardinals have a number of young pitchers who could potentially step up and fill these roles, but they need to prove that they can be consistent. The team may also look to make some additions to the bullpen via trade or free agency.
Cardinals fans are hoping that the team can find some reliable relievers to help Ryan Helsley. The bullpen was a major weakness in 2023, and it cost the team several games. If the Cardinals can find some reliable relievers, they will be a much better team in 2024.
Starting rotation depth: Who will step up behind Jack Flaherty and Miles Mikolas?
Jack Flaherty and Miles Mikolas are the Cardinals’ two best starting pitchers, but the team needs to find some reliable pitchers to fill out the rest of the rotation. Adam Wainwright retired after the 2023 season, and Dakota Hudson is a free agent.
- Matthew Liberatore: Liberatore is a top prospect who is expected to make the Cardinals’ rotation in 2024. He has a great fastball and a developing changeup and slider. Liberatore has the potential to be a frontline starter.
- Jordan Hicks: Hicks is a former closer who has been converted to a starter. He has a good fastball and a developing changeup and slider. Hicks has the potential to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter.
- Steven Matz: Matz is a veteran left-handed pitcher who has had some success in the majors. He is a good control pitcher with a solid fastball and changeup. Matz could be a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ rotation.
- Jake Woodford: Woodford is a young pitcher who has shown some promise in the majors. He has a good fastball and a developing changeup and slider. Woodford could be a solid back-of-the-rotation starter.
The Cardinals are hoping that one or two of these pitchers can step up and fill out the rotation behind Flaherty and Mikolas. If they can find some reliable starters, the Cardinals will have a strong rotation in 2024.
Cardinals fans are excited to see who will step up and fill out the rotation in 2024. The team has a number of promising young pitchers, and fans are hoping that one or two of them can emerge as a reliable starter. If the Cardinals can find some reliable starters, they will be a much better team in 2024.
Catcher competition: Andrew Knizner and Ivan Herrera vie for starting role.
Andrew Knizner and Ivan Herrera are the two main contenders for the Cardinals’ starting catcher job in 2024. Both players have their strengths and weaknesses, and it will be up to manager Oliver Marmol to decide who gets the nod.
Andrew Knizner:
- Strengths: Knizner is a good defender with a strong arm. He is also a good receiver and has a good rapport with the Cardinals’ pitching staff.
- Weaknesses: Knizner is not a great hitter. He has a career batting average of just .233 and he does not hit for much power.
Ivan Herrera:
- Strengths: Herrera is a better hitter than Knizner. He has a career batting average of .283 and he has shown some power, hitting 11 home runs in 2022.
- Weaknesses: Herrera is not as good of a defender as Knizner. He is also less experienced, having played in just 68 games in the majors.
Ultimately, the decision of who will be the Cardinals’ starting catcher in 2024 will come down to Marmol’s preference. If he values defense and experience, Knizner is the better choice. If he values offense, Herrera is the better choice.
Cardinals fans are excited to see who will win the starting catcher job in 2024. Both Knizner and Herrera are talented players, and they both have the potential to be successful in the majors. Whoever wins the job will be a key part of the Cardinals’ success in 2024.
Bader’s return: Harrison Bader’s return from injury is a major boost to the outfield.
Harrison Bader is one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball, and his return from injury is a major boost to the Cardinals’ outfield. Bader missed most of the 2023 season with a foot injury, but he is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2024 season.
Bader’s strengths:
- Defense: Bader is a Gold Glove-caliber defender. He has great speed and range, and he is also a good center fielder.
- Offense: Bader is not a great hitter, but he can contribute offensively. He is a good contact hitter and he has some power.
Bader’s return will have a major impact on the Cardinals’ outfield. He will likely start in center field, which will allow Dylan Carlson to move to a corner outfield spot. Bader’s defense will also help the Cardinals’ pitching staff, as he is one of the best defenders in baseball at preventing runs.
Cardinals fans are excited to see Harrison Bader back on the field in 2024. He is a fan favorite and he is one of the most important players on the team. Bader’s return gives the Cardinals a major boost in the outfield, and it makes them a much better team.
Bader is a key part of the Cardinals’ future. He is a young player who is already one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. He also has the potential to be a good hitter. If Bader can stay healthy and continue to develop, he could be one of the best players in the game.
Fan excitement: Cardinals fans are eager to see the team rebound in 2024.
Cardinals fans are eager to see the team rebound in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 season. The team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and they finished with a losing record for the first time since 2018.
- New manager: Cardinals fans are excited to see what new manager Oliver Marmol can do with the team. Marmol is a young and energetic manager, and he is known for his player-friendly approach.
- Young talent: The Cardinals have a number of exciting young players who are expected to make an impact in 2024. These players include Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, and Brendan Donovan.
- Healthy Goldschmidt: Cardinals fans are hoping that Paul Goldschmidt can stay healthy in 2024. Goldschmidt is one of the best players in baseball, and he is crucial to the Cardinals’ success.
- Improved bullpen: The Cardinals’ bullpen was a major weakness in 2023. The team has made some additions to the bullpen this offseason, and fans are hoping that the bullpen will be much better in 2024.
Cardinals fans are optimistic about the team’s chances in 2024. They believe that the team has the talent to compete for a World Series title. If the Cardinals can stay healthy and play to their potential, they could be one of the best teams in baseball in 2024.
Cardinals fans are excited for the start of the 2024 season. They are eager to see the team rebound from its disappointing 2023 season and compete for a World Series title. The Cardinals have a lot of talent, and fans are hopeful that the team can reach its full potential in 2024.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2024 season:
Question 1: Who is the Cardinals’ new manager?
Answer: Oliver Marmol is the Cardinals’ new manager. He was promoted from bench coach after Mike Shildt was fired in 2023.
Question 2: What are the Cardinals’ biggest needs this offseason?
Answer: The Cardinals need to improve their bullpen and add some depth to their starting rotation. They also need to find a replacement for catcher Yadier Molina, who retired after the 2023 season.
Question 3: Who are some of the Cardinals’ top prospects?
Answer: Some of the Cardinals’ top prospects include Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, and Brendan Donovan. All three players are expected to make an impact on the Cardinals in 2024.
Question 4: What are the Cardinals’ chances of winning the World Series in 2024?
Answer: The Cardinals have a good chance of winning the World Series in 2024. They have a strong lineup, a solid starting rotation, and a good bullpen. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they could be one of the best teams in baseball in 2024.
Question 5: Where can I find tickets for Cardinals games?
Answer: Tickets for Cardinals games can be purchased online, at the Busch Stadium box office, or through a ticket broker.
Question 6: What is the Cardinals’ schedule for the 2024 season?
Answer: The Cardinals’ schedule for the 2024 season has not been released yet. It will be released in February or March of 2024.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2024 season. As the season gets closer, more information will be released. Cardinals fans are excited for the start of the 2024 season and are hoping that the team can rebound from its disappointing 2023 season and compete for a World Series title.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some tips for Cardinals fans attending games at Busch Stadium in 2024:
- Arrive early: The gates at Busch Stadium open two hours before the game starts. This gives fans plenty of time to find their seats, get food and drinks, and explore the stadium.
- Check the weather forecast: St. Louis weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to check the forecast before you head to the game. If there is a chance of rain, bring a poncho or umbrella.
- Be prepared for security: There are metal detectors at the gates of Busch Stadium. Fans are also prohibited from bringing in bags larger than 16x16x8 inches.
- Know the rules: There are a few rules that fans need to be aware of at Busch Stadium. For example, fans are not allowed to smoke in the stadium and they are not allowed to bring in outside food or drinks.
- Have fun! Busch Stadium is a great place to see a baseball game. The atmosphere is electric and the fans are passionate. Make sure to enjoy the game and cheer on the Cardinals!
Tips
Here are some tips for Cardinals fans attending Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida in 2024:
Tip 1: Purchase tickets in advance.
Spring Training tickets go on sale in January. Fans can purchase tickets online or by calling the Cardinals’ ticket office. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
Tip 2: Arrive early.
The gates at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium open one hour before the game starts. This gives fans plenty of time to find their seats, get food and drinks, and explore the stadium.
Tip 3: Be prepared for the weather.
Florida weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to check the forecast before you head to the game. If there is a chance of rain, bring a poncho or umbrella.
Tip 4: Enjoy the experience!
Spring Training is a great opportunity to see your favorite players up close and in person. Make sure to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the game.
These are just a few tips for Cardinals fans attending Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida in 2024. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great experience.
Spring Training is a great way to get excited for the upcoming baseball season. It’s also a great opportunity to see some of your favorite players up close and in person. If you’re a Cardinals fan, be sure to check out Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida in 2024.
Conclusion
The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season and compete for a World Series title in 2024. The team has a lot of talent, but they need to stay healthy and play to their potential. If they can do that, they could be one of the best teams in baseball in 2024.
Here is a summary of the main points discussed in this article:
- New manager: Oliver Marmol is the Cardinals’ new manager. He is a young and energetic manager who is known for his player-friendly approach.
- Young talent: The Cardinals have a number of exciting young players who are expected to make an impact in 2024. These players include Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, and Brendan Donovan.
- Healthy Goldschmidt: Paul Goldschmidt is one of the best players in baseball, and he is crucial to the Cardinals’ success. If he can stay healthy in 2024, he could be one of the best players in the league.
- Improved bullpen: The Cardinals’ bullpen was a major weakness in 2023. The team has made some additions to the bullpen this offseason, and fans are hoping that the bullpen will be much better in 2024.
- Fan excitement: Cardinals fans are excited for the start of the 2024 season. They are eager to see the team rebound from its disappointing 2023 season and compete for a World Series title.
Cardinals fans have a lot to be excited about in 2024. The team has a lot of talent, and they have a new manager who is known for his player-friendly approach. If the Cardinals can stay healthy and play to their potential, they could be one of the best teams in baseball in 2024.
Here’s to a great 2024 season for the St. Louis Cardinals!