Bader is 8-for-23 with two doubles, six RBI and a run scored through eight Grapefruit League games.

EDGE Analysis

Bader enters 2022 as the presumptive starting center fielder, though the Cardinals' outfield is a bit crowded with the addition of Corey Dickerson this spring. There's little reason for Bader to be concerned about a reduced role -- he slashed .267/.324/.460 with 16 home runs, 50 RBI, 45 runs scored and nine stolen bases in 103 games last season. Competition should keep him sharp, but the 27-year-old will likely be in the lineup more often than not. Bader is still expected to hit more toward the bottom of the order, which means he'll likely be batting ninth now that the designated hitter is universal, though the Cardinals boast a formidable starting nine.