With both an NL Central title and Wild Card berth well out of reach, the St. Louis Cardinals sold at the trade deadline and shifted their focus to the 2024 season.
The top priority for the Cardinals this coming winter will be rebuilding the pitching staff by adding starters and relievers alike.
However, former MLB GM Dan O’Dowd believes that pitching shouldn’t be the only priority for the Cardinals in the offseason.
The former Colorado Rockies GM stopped by 101 ESPN, a local St. Louis sports radio station, to discuss the team’s poor defense and how it should also be on their priority list.
Improving the rotation might be the #STLCards top priority this offseason, but former MLB GM Dan O'Dowd says improving the defense isn't far behind. #BKandFerrario
PODCAST: https://t.co/B65g8aIkYf pic.twitter.com/FoPsXgePAp
— 101 ESPN St. Louis (@101espn) August 10, 2023
The Cardinals were one of baseball’s best defensive teams in 2022.
However, that has changed in 2023, as they now masquerade as one of the worst.
O’Dowd predicted that come Opening Day 2024, the Cardinals will have an outfield that consists of Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, and Lars Nootbaar.
Jordan Walker has been getting looks in the outfield this year.
He was drafted as a third baseman, but with Nolan Arenado manning the position, he was forced to move to the outfield.
O’Dowd believes that for now, Walker should serve as the team’s designated hitter.
He noted that if St. Louis does not re-sign Paul Goldschmidt after next season, Walker’s final spot should be first base.
Walker’s defense has been less than stellar in the outfield, and O’Dowd believes the Cardinals should use him as a designated hitter and keep him there until he improves in certain areas defensively.
NEXT: Cardinals Announce Special Adam Wainwright Promotion