The St. Louis Cardinals are moving forward with Nolan Arenado as their Opening Day third baseman despite extensive efforts to trade the superstar during the offseason. The 10-time Gold Glove winner has had recent struggles at the plate but remains a key defensive asset. Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt believes Arenado is among the greatest third basemen in history, noting his exceptional defense and potential for future accolades.

Arenado, who turns 34 in April, is coming off a challenging offensive season in 2024. However, after adjusting his training and swing, there is optimism he can bounce back, which would help the Cardinals if they decide to explore trade options later. His impressive resume includes 10 Gold Gloves and multiple All-Star selections, reinforcing his reputation in the sport.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, identifying value in late rounds is essential for success. Players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds are primed for breakout seasons. With elite contact rates and potential for 30 home runs, he could be a significant asset. Similarly, Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros is gaining traction after a power surge in 2023, while Masyn Winn from the St. Louis Cardinals aims for 30 stolen bases. Bryson Stott of the Philadelphia Phillies is a buy-low candidate looking to up his game, and Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays may soon become a top-tier player. Targeting these undervalued players can give fantasy managers an edge on draft day.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker is set to miss at least a week due to a minor left knee injury sustained while chasing a fly ball during a recent spring training game against the Washington Nationals. The injury occurred when he stepped on a sprinkler head. Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural damage, although there is some irritation in the knee. Manager Oliver Marmol has noted that this week will be used for recovery, allowing Walker to ramp up for the upcoming season.

At just 22 years old, Walker is positioned to be the Cardinals’ starting right fielder and is seen as a key part of the team’s future. Over two seasons, he has shown promise with a batting line of .255/.317/.423 and 21 home runs. This spring, he is focused on refining his swing following offseason adjustments, making the time lost due to injury potentially impactful.

Identifying sleeper players who can outperform their average draft position (ADP) is essential for success in fantasy baseball. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a Yahoo ADP of 59.4, possesses elite stats but has room for improvement, potentially becoming a 30-30-.270 player. Lawrence Butler of the Athletics, a late-round pick, showed impressive stats post-All-Star break, hinting at a 30-30 potential. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette's 109.3 ADP could be a steal as he rebounds from injury, while Thairo Estrada, projected at 233.4, thrives at Coors Field. Other notable mentions include Matt Wallner, Jake McCarthy, and Christopher Morel, who each have the tools to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to leverage the experience and leadership of Sonny Gray while navigating a transitional phase within the organization. After initially considering trading the veteran pitcher to clear payroll, they now see him as a valuable asset for mentoring young talent such as Michael McGreevy and Andre Pallante. Newcomer Quinn Mathews has expressed excitement about learning from Gray, having impressed in the minors with strong stats, including an 8-5 record and a 2.76 ERA last season.

As the Cardinals gear up for the 2025 season, they remain hopeful that the combination of Gray's expertise and the promising abilities of their younger pitchers will solidify their rotation. While Gray and Erick Fedde are the only established pitchers, Mathews' performance during spring training could signal a brighter future for the Cardinals' starting lineup.