Published Mar 11, 8:21pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 11, 8:21pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Mar 11, 8:21pm ET
|
|
|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals | +115 |
| New York Mets | -135 |
Sean Manaea received a long-term contract from the Mets after his excellent 2024 season in which he posted a 3.0 bWAR, won 12 games, struck out 184 in 181.2 innings, and surrendered 134 hits. He was crucial to New York's run to the NLCS.
In 2025, however, he struggled with an oblique strain and elbow woes. The lefty was limited to 15 appearances, posted a 5.64 ERA, and had a -0.4 bWAR.
The 34-year-old has made 1 spring start, tossed 3 innings, and allowed 1 run on a home run. He walked 1 and struck out 1.
At the plate, Francisco Alvarez is off to a scorching start, batting .545 with a 1.492 OPS. Brett Baty is hitting .462 in his new role as a utility man, playing all over the field. He has a 1.269 OPS.
Newcomer Marcus Semien is batting .190.
Non-roster invitee Cristian Pache is batting .474 with a 1.261 OPS with a home run.
The Cardinals are embarking on a rebuild/retool under new President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom. They have cleared high-salaried and declining veterans like Nolan Arenado and are moving forward with younger players.
One is former 18th overall draft pick Michael McGreevy. He will be 26 in July. In 2025, he posted an 8-4 record with a 4.42 ERA, allowing 100 hits and striking out 58 in 95.2 innings. He walked 20 and allowed 12 home runs.
This spring, he has started 3 games, tossed 8.1 innings, allowed 9 hits, 3 earned runs, given up 1 homer, and struck out 8.
Prospect Joshua Baez is batting .333 with 3 homers and a 1.179 OPS. Nelson Velazquez is batting .348 with 2 homers. Veteran Alec Burleson is batting .250 with an .823 OPS.
The Cardinals are not expecting to contend this season as they move forward under Bloom. But they have young talent on the rise and newfound energy after dumping Arenado, Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and others.
The Mets and Cardinals have different objectives this spring and for the regular season. That has been shown with how they've played.
New York needs to get its veterans, like Manaea, ready for the season. St. Louis wants McGreevy to be a critical piece now and in the future.
For this matchup, the Mets are favored, but McGreevy has pitched well and Manaea is still working on his motion and is ramping up for the season with purpose. The Cardinals will take this game at their spring home in Jupiter.
|
Pick
St. Louis Cardinals +115
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
