St. Louis Cardinals: Future depends on Paul DeJong

The St. Louis Cardinals have made a few moves to better the team this off-season, but what is the most critical piece to make 2018 a winning season?

I think the most crucial part for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 is Paul DeJong. Can he improve, repeat, or stay at least above average in his first full season? Some serious questions for the Redbirds if they cannot get that production again.

In 2016, we saw a young out-of-the-blue star in Aledmys Diaz rise and become an all-star at the shortstop position. Only to be disappointed by a below-average 2017 that sent him back to the minor leagues.

His replacement, Paul DeJong, launched his way into the starting role after his call-up on May 28th. We all remember him homering in his first at-bat in Colorado. Boy oh boy, did he not stop there.

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In the 108 games he played last season, my Predator Statistics had him playing at 1.15 wins above average, ranked best for 66th in baseball.

Only Zack Cozart, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, and Corey Seager ranked ahead of him. RIghtfully so.

What does this mean for the Cardinals though? I think it proves that the Cardinals would not have come even close to winning as many games as they did last season without him.

His bat proved to be a force in the middle-of-the-order for quite some time last season. In games,

he started the team went 53-51.

I think it goes deeper than just his numbers for his impact on 2018. With the talks of possibly trading for Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson, nothing may be as influential on the deal than how well Paul DeJong performs.

Let’s say, for example, the Cardinals are doing well, and Paul DeJong continues to be a force in the middle of the order in 2018. In that case, I cannot see why Machado would even be on the radar still for a trade. DeJong is younger and much cheaper at the shortstop position that Machado has insisted he wants to play.

Donaldson would prove to be a much more likely in-season trade playing third base, but even that would decline by strong play from DeJong.

However, if Paul DeJong pulls an Aledmys Diaz in 2018, I for one would not expect the Cardinals to be playing very well. If they are, however, in strong contention, that makes a mid-season acquisition of a star like Machado worth it because he could put us over the top.

Ultimately, I think Paul DeJong holds a lot of the keys to what the organization looks towards in the future. Will he be the rising star we desperately need that is young and controllable? Or, are the Cardinals going to have to fork out some money and maybe a few prospects to purchase an infield star?

Paul DeJong, the ball is in your court.

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In summary, if Paul DeJong continues his excellent play, I would not hold your breath for a significant mid-season trade for a player like Machado.

However, if the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in contention and DeJong is playing average or below, let us hope the phone lines are open to getting a star.