MLB spring training: 1 bold prediction for every NL Central team

MLB Spring Training predictions: St. Louis Cardinals

Prediction: Cardinals’ pitching depth becomes real concern.

By all accounts, the St. Louis Cardinals are the favorite to win the National League Central. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t without their concerns.

Just look at their starting rotation. Adam Wainwright has a mechanical flaw in his delivery and has yet to throw a pitch above 87 mph. Steven Matz missed most of last season after signing a four-year contract. Jack Flaherty is healthy and very talented, but has also missed meaningful time the last couple seasons with injuries.

The Cardinals tried, and failed, to re-sign Jose Quintana this winter. Having a full season of Jordan Montgomery will certainly help. But a third consecutive trade deadline in which the front office adds starting pitching depth seems like a real possibility, and we’re only in spring training.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has certainly had success with such additions. Just look at the Quintana trade last deadline. They should be able to win the division despite those concerns, but the organization has World Series aspirations. And to get to that point, they may need to add another starting pitcher sooner than later.