Let’s see your predictions!
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in St. Louis Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week the SB Nation Reacts national survey asked which player had been the best new addition to a team this year and listed a few players from different teams. I wanted to ask that question specifically about the Cardinals, but then I looked at the team’s additions over the offseason, and decided to ask a different question.
I thought it might be interesting to know your thoughts on these players for a few reasons. Willson Contreras notably made a position change to first base after many years behind the plate. In 2024 he was far and away the Cardinals best hitter before being sidelined with injuries. He has struggled at the plate this season with a 23 wRC+ in 74 plate appearances, but his reputation would indicate those struggles shouldn’t last.
Nolan Arendao is sort of the reverse case. He has had some challenging seasons for the Cardinals in recent years and almost wasn’t on the team this year at all before he rejected a trade to the Houston Astros. He has gotten off to a hot start with a 135 wRC+, 12.2% walk rate, and a 5.4% strikeout rate in 74 plate appearances.
Brendan Donovan has been a steady presence for the Cardinals since 2022. He has hit for over a 115 wRC+ in every season and can play practically every position on the field. So far he has been the Cardinals best hitter with a 172 wRC+ in 77 plate appearances, slashing .380/.416/.549.
Then there is Victor Scott II, who was the talk of Spring Training with the performance he put up leading up to the season’s start. In 66 plate appearances he has a 108 wRC+, has walked 10.6% of the time, and has stolen 6 bases all while playing solid centerfield defense.
So that leads to my question for you all below. We will have the results soon!