It’s finally here! Opening Day of the 2021 Major League Baseball season is upon us! That means a brand new season full of hopes and dreams for all 30 teams with one common goal, to win the World Series. For the St. Louis Cardinals, winning the World Series is the only goal that matters. Unlike other franchises, for St. Louis, your season is defined by winning the World Series. It’s something the Cardinals have been unable to do since 2011. With that being said, if there was ever a year where the preseason hype could live up to expectations, it would be this one.

Heading into the offseason, the Cardinals needed a spark in the lineup. So what did the organization do? They went out and signed a five-time All-Start and winner of the last eight Golden Glove awards, Third baseman Nolan Arenado.

With the addition of Arenado at Third, the Cardinals have one of the best infields in baseball. Around the diamond, you will have a combination of Paul Goldschmidt at First, Tommy Edman at Second, Nolan Arenado at Third, and Paul DeJong at Shortstop. Not only will the defense of the Cardinals be vastly improved with this infield lineup, but the Cardinals will also a wide variety of options when it comes to the offensive side on this lineup.

As far as Matt Carpenter goes, expect the Cardinals to use him as the DH when they have Interleague play or when Nolan Arenado needs a day off. Carpenter will still play a crucial role on this St.Louis Cardinals baseball team.

What about the outfield? Fans can likely expect to see a starting lineup of Dylan Carlson at Left Field, Harrison Bader at Center, and a mixture of Tyler O’Neil and Austin Dean in Right.

As far as the starting pitchers go, the Cardinals announced Jack Flaherty would be their number one guy. Flaherty will also be the starting pitcher on Opening Day for the Cardinals. Number two in the pitching rotation looks to be Adam Wainwright. Wainwright has been with the Cardinals organization for some time now and has deservingly become a fan favorite.

Behind the plate for one final season will be a familiar name for St. Louis, Yadier Molina. Yadi will be entering his 17 seasons with the St.Louis Cardinals. Yadi has given his heart and soul to this organization, and the city of St.Louis and the Cardinals baseball will have one last season to thank him for everything.

The St. Louis Cardinals will open their season on the road as they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Reds before heading to Miami to take on the Marlins. St. Louis will return home next Thursday as they welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Busch Stadium.