What would a dream Cardinals starting lineup look like next season?
By Tim Boyle
6) Dream Cardinals starting lineup: Juan Yepez bats sixth, RF
This is the part of the Cardinals lineup where we can see them change things around a bit. An advantage the Cardinals will have in real life and our dreams is depth. Juan Yepez is one of those players the Cardinals can learn more about this year. He’ll get the nod to play right field to at least kick off this dream.
Yepez stormed into the minds of fans in 2021 when he hit 27 bombs in the minor leagues. As a rookie in 2022, he managed to hit 12 dingers in only 274 plate appearances. He could be well on his way to becoming a trusted slugger in St. Louis.
Yepez can play multiple positions so keeping him around is necessary. We’d all like to see how much his bat can develop, too. He’ll begin the year in right field for our dream lineup.
7) Dream Cardinals starting lineup: Matt Carpenter bats seventh, DH
If Matt Carpenter proved anything in his time with the New York Yankees last year it’s that he can still rake. Two straight seasons of batting under .200 for the Cardinals was enough for them to move on. A reunion could make sense with Albert Pujols now retired.
Carpenter batted .305/.412/.727 with 15 home runs in 154 chances with the Yankees last year. It was tremendously productive. Returning to the Cardinals and becoming the DH for a season for a championship run would be perfect.
Many of the DH candidates out there in free agency have their shortcomings. At least the idea of Carpenter coming home feels good. Maybe pairing him up in a DH platoon could even be the way to go.