TEAM TO BEAT
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Cardinals return the core of their 93-win division-champions, with a few notable exceptions. MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado return to anchor the lineup. Free agent Willson Contreras replaces Yadier Molina behind the plate. A host of young players could step forward, including Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez, while 21-year-old rookie sensation Jordan Walker could impact the lineup. The Cardinals' key question remains pitching. St. Louis' starters had the lowest strikeout rate among postseason rotations last year. A full season from Jordan Montgomery will help, as would healthy, effective seasons from Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz.
TOP PLAYER
NOLAN ARENADO, 3B, CARDINALS
Fans can set a metronome to Arenado's offensive and defensive production. He has been a regular third baseman for 10 seasons and has won 10 Gold Gloves. Since his 2013 debut, Arenado leads all hitters with seven 100-RBI seasons and is tied for the lead with seven 30-homer seasons. The 32-year-old is coming off a third-place finish in National League MVP balloting-his sixth top 10 finish and is on the short list of favorites to win the award this season.
TOP PITCHER
CORBIN BURNES, RHP, BREWERS
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Baseball America.
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This story is from the April 2023 edition of Baseball America.
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