3 most indispensable players on the Cardinals roster for 2024

It's a big year for the Cardinals. If they don't return to their winning ways, the future of the organization will be uncertain.

However, before we get to that, let's assume that the Cardinals are able to bounce back into contention following their worst season since 1990. In a weak NL Central, they should be able to at least remain competitive.

But in order to be competitive, they're going to need certain players to stay healthy and perform at their highest level.

Every team has players who can be considered indispensable. The Cardinals are no different.

In this piece, we will discuss the three most indispensable players on the Cardinals roster for the 2024 season.

3. Brendan Donovan

The Cardinals certainly felt the absence of Brendan Donovan late in the season. On the day of the trade deadline, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which took him out of the lineup for the remainder of the season.

It likely wouldn't have made too much of a difference, but it still hurt. Donovan can play almost everywhere on the field and provides power, speed, and elite defense. He even has a Gold Glove to his name.

Donovan is a catalyst for the Cardinals and somebody who can truly be considered a table-setter. They're going to need him healthy if they want to contend. His super utility skills are extremely valuable to the Cardinals, especially if a player needs a day off.

He could be used at first base if the Cardinals want to give Paul Goldschmidt a day off, or slot in at third base if Nolan Arenado needs a day.

2. Tommy Edman

Tommy Edman was slowed a bit last year by a wrist injury and didn't have the same type of offensive year he did in 2022.

However, when injuries decimated the Cardinals outfield, Edman filled in at center field and provided elite defense. Like Donovan, Edman can play almost anywhere on the field. He was one of five Cardinals to win a Gold Glove in 2021.

But he is also a catalyst when he's at his best. What also makes Edman so valuable is the fact that he is a switch hitter, one that possesses solid bat-to-ball skills and even some power.

It's also important to remember that the Cardinals are trusting Masyn Winn to be their everyday shortstop. There are certainly question marks surrounding Winn due to his bat being unproven.

If Winn does struggle at the plate and needs to be sent down to Triple-A, Edman could be moved back to the shortstop position as an insurance policy. But if Edman's wrist continues to bother him, the Cardinals may be in trouble and have to search outside the organization for some help on the position player side.

Needless to say, Edman is irreplaceable, and the Cardinals cannot afford to lose him for an extended period of time this coming season. They need him healthy because of the versatility he brings to the table and the many ways he can help the team.