Ranking the St. Louis Cardinals players with the most value beyond 2022

Something to prove

We are move from “exciting, young, mysterious futures” to a complicated trio of veterans. Each worthy of an individual breakdown, they are at a crossroads in their careers as St. Louis Cardinals.

22. Andrew Knizner

We’ll start with Andrew Knizner. Once the heir apparent to Yadier Molina, Knizner has been passed by Ivan Herrera in the future starting Cardinals catcher hierarchy. He has done a fine job as Molina’s backup, but his ceiling is still undefined. Still, at only 26 years old, there is still a long major-league career ahead for Andrew Knizner, whether it’s with the Cardinals or somewhere else.

I expect him to receive more playing time this season as the Cardinals evaluate life after Molina, so we will see what he is able to do with a few more at-bats. It’s clear the Cardinals think highly enough of Knizner that they won’t bring in anyone else to be Yadi’s last backup. However, is Knizner good enough to be handed the starting job next season? We’ll find out in 2022.

21. Miles Mikolas

After his first season with the Cardinals in 2018, signing Miles Mikolas to a four-year $68 million deal seemed like a good decision for both sides. After an injury-plagued 2020, his future is much more murky.

In 2021, Mikolas pitched 44.2 innings and showed signs that he was closer to his 2018 season than the trying times that had come afterwards. With two years remaining on his contract, the Cardinals are hoping to get as much as they can out of the 33 year-old. Take a look at the rest of this list, though. There’s plenty of starting pitching depth if he falters.

20. Paul DeJong

Last in this section is Paul DeJong. In the previous version of this list, DeJong was ranked fifth. Here’s what I wrote:

"I have to remind myself that Paul DeJong is only 27 years old. The versatile shortstop is entering his fifth season in the big leagues. He struggled last year at the plate and in the field, but there has to be some confidence in the organization that the former All-Star can return to form. Between this season and next, a lot of veterans will be leaving St. Louis. Paul DeJong is going to be a very important leader."

Well, if you’re frustrated with DeJong, it’s because we’re in the same position as last year, but potentially even worse. There’s two more years on DeJong’s contract before a team option kicks in. If DeJong rediscovers his stroke at the plate, he’ll once again be at the top of this list. The front office believes in him, but the pressure is on to prove that he is still the shortstop of the future and an integral part of  the St. Louis Cardinals.