NL Central: Lineup shifts are looming

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals haven’t had the turnaround they were hoping for in 2024. While it’s impossible to pin all of the team’s failures on one player, Paul Goldschmidt (1B, STL) certainly has to shoulder plenty of the blame. His falloff has been significant, as his contact rate has dropped from 72 percent in 2023 to 65 percent so far this season. Even when he has made contact, his barrel rate is just 4.3 percent, nearly a third of his rate last season.  

His struggles were thrust into the spotlight this week when he was out of the lineup both Wednesday and Thursday, specifically in an effort to get him on track. In two games since his return (Friday and Saturday), he’s gone 1-for-9 with four strikeouts (he did homer...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

The Angels have had a murky closing situation this season, but Kirby Yates appears to be taking over of late.
Jul 15 2026 3:05am
As MLB heads into the All-Star Break, a look at some forgotten players from the AL East who will try to regain relevance in the second half, featuring Heston Kjerstad, Paul Blackburn, and more.
Jul 14 2026 3:06am
This week, we take some time to check in on previous PT Tomorrow darlings whom we're no longer excited about while giving some playing time updates in San Diego and Arizona.
Jul 11 2026 3:06am
Lara should play; where will that playing time come from?
Jul 10 2026 3:05am
In a surprising development, Austin Hedges suddenly has positive fantasy value. Plus, Murakami's return in CHW, another Max prospect in DET, more bullpen issues for KC, and Woo-Suk Go intrigue in MIN.
Jul 9 2026 3:06am

Tools