Going into the St. Louis Cardinals 2023 spring training, there are a few familiar faces missing. Due to the retirement of Cardinal legends Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols, the 2023 Cardinal roster has changed drastically. Now let’s go over the most exciting news and changes from spring training camp.

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A player to keep your eye on is Jordan Walker. Walker was drafted as a third baseman, but due to the recent Cardinals addition of Nolan Arenado he was moved elsewhere. Jordan finally found his groove in the outfield. Last year in Springfield, Walker showed his effectiveness (.306 batting average, 19 homers and slugging .510) and put everyone on notice. Will Jordan Walker become the next star of the Cards or will he fade into obscurity?

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Another big story is the return of pitcher Jack Flaherty. Since his serious injury in late May of 2021, Flaherty has been recovering. Going into a contract year, Flaherty has a lot on his plate. Before his injury, Jack Flaherty had an ERA (earned run average) of 2.75, an amazing statline. During the winter, Flaherty was interviewed and he expressed his disappointment of not being able to help the team. Cardinal fans are hoping Jack will make a great comeback; only time will tell.

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The biggest news from the Cardinals camp is the arrival of Willson Contreras. After the departure of the Yadier Molina, the Cardinals needed a quality catcher to replace Yadi. Contreras came from the Chicago Cubs, with a 2016 World Series ring on his resume. Contreras’s idol was in fact Yadier Molina. But the biggest question is how Willson Contreras will preform with the Cardinals. I guess we’ll have to see if he lives up to expectations.

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Lastly, the Cardinals’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been a recent source of discussion. Following his dominant 2022 MVP season, (.317 batting average and 35 home runs) many fans think Goldschmidt will not be able to replicate his success from the previous season. Now with the haters and doubters hot on his heels, Paul Goldschmidt will have to preserve and perform for the 2023 season to prove them wrong.

Now with all of that said, there are many different stories going into this season; some good, some bad. The biggest question of all is how the St. Louis Cardinals will change and adapt their craft due to the absence of Molina and Pujols. What will the Cardinals do? We’ll just have to wait to see.