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

The Building Blocks

Finally, here are your core four. These are the guys going for MVPs and Cy Youngs, leading the team into battle each night. It’s a pretty solid group to build around.

4. Paul Goldschmidt

At 34, there’s an argument to be made for Paul Goldschmidt to be lower on this list. However, I think we should all stop doubting him. After a monstrous second half of 2021, he once again showed why he is one of the best in the league at first base.

3. Dylan Carlson

At times overlooked, Dylan Carlson had a pretty impressive rookie season. His one weakness last season was defense, and that will only get better with more playing time. Despite what many of you are thinking right now, the former top prospect in the St. Louis organization has earned this third spot in the rankings. I’ll admit he will need to keep improving in order to keep it.

2. Jack Flaherty

The Cardinals struggled mightily without their ace, with few starters in the big leagues capable of matching Flaherty’s competitive drive and electrifying stuff on the mound. A full season of dominance is the next step for Flaherty as he begins his sixth year in St. Louis. The front office should do anything they can to lock him into a long-term deal, too.

1. Nolan Arenado

Who else would occupy this top spot? Nolan Arenado is one of the best baseball players alive. It feels silly to try to describe his value to the St. Louis Cardinals. Hopefully the other players on this list can support Nolan enough to go on a long playoff run.

And there you have it! Your St. Louis Cardinal future value rankings. Barring, of course, any other offseason moves once we resume regular baseball activity. One or two additions, and this becomes a pretty deep ball club.