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 NL West has plenty of prospects to be excited about, but finding playing time has been difficult so far. Will their fortunes change in 2026?
Feb 12 2026 3:03am
The reality of Byron Buxton's injury history necessitates having a CF backup plan in place, but the Twins' current plan is unclear. Plus, a look at 2B for CWS and CLE, rotation depth for the Tigers, and the saves situation in KC.
Feb 10 2026 3:04am
With Yoan Moncada returning to 3B, there's a new position battle at 2B for the Angels.
Feb 4 2026 3:05am
Edwin Uceta headlines Tampa Bay's group of late-inning relievers, but early indications are that the team will revert to a committee approach for saves.
Feb 3 2026 3:08am

Tools