Stan Musial headlines St Louis Cardinals all-time roster by Wins Above Replacement

More than 70 years before Aloe Blacc’s hit single “The Man” was released, there was a prodigious singles hitter that earned the same moniker playing baseball in the National League. Stan “The Man” Musial’s hitting prowess helped lead the St. Louis Cardinals to three of their eleven World Series wins.

Born in Donora, Pennsylvania, Musial was signed by the Cardinals as a pitcher in 1938, but made his MLB debut in 1941 playing the outfield. At the time of his retirement in 1963, the three-time MVP held or shared 29 National League records.

In 22 years with the Cards, Musial amassed 128.1 WAR (wins above replacement). The franchise’s next biggest WAR contributions on the all-time roster came from second baseman Rogers Hornsby (91.4) and first baseman Albert Pujols (86.4).

Here we present the entire Cardinals lineup constructed entirely by choosing the player with the team’s highest WAR at each position, including a rotation of three starting pitchers and one reliever.

Wins Above Replacement: 44.8

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Wins Above Replacement: 86.4

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Wins Above Replacement: 91.4

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Wins Above Replacement: 58.0

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Wins Above Replacement: 65.6

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Wins Above Replacement: 128.1

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Wins Above Replacement: 50.3

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Wins Above Replacement: 42.2

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Wins Above Replacement: 81.9

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Wins Above Replacement: 38.6

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Wins Above Replacement: 38.5

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Wins Above Replacement: 11.2

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