36. Scott Rolen

Scott Rolen arrived in St. Louis partway through the 2002 season through a major trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. He quickly took a key spot in the Redbirds' lineup and immediately showcased his exceptional athleticism, elevating his reputation to a new level in baseball history. Rolen had already earned an All-Star nod while with the Phillies in July, but his move to Missouri sparked a multi-year period of exceptional, well-rounded play that forever changed the third base position in the Gateway to the West. He achieved four straight All-Star selections during his first four full summers with the Cardinals, blending a powerful, middle-of-the-order bat with defensive skills that redefined the playing field at Busch Memorial Stadium.

Rolen achieved his career peak during the historic 2004 season, delivering one of the most comprehensive and efficient performances by a modern third baseman. He surpassed his previous metrics with a career-high 34 home runs and 124 RBIs, supported by an impressive .314/.409/598 slash line.

While his offensive performance contributed to a strong fourth-place finish in the National League MVP race, Rolen’s true dominance was in his exceptional defensive range. That summer, he led the entire National League in Defensive bWAR and earned one of his three Rawlings Gold Glove Awards as a Cardinal, constantly stopping extra-base hits along the third-base line with diving plays and a powerful, accurate throwing arm.

His crucial contribution shined brightest during the remarkable 2006 postseason. Overcoming persistent shoulder injuries that had hampered his regular season play, Rolen became an essential, cool-headed force for Tony La Russa's championship team. He crushed AL pitchers with a fierce .421 batting average in the World Series, playing a key role in leading the Cardinals to an exciting victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Persistent physical friction and notable philosophical disagreements with management eventually resulted in an off-season trade to the Toronto Blue Jays before the 2008 season. Rolen would later end his career on a high note with the Cincinnati Reds, winning an eighth Gold Glove award before retiring in 2012.

Rolen’s numbers as a Cardinal would see him belt 150 home runs, record 880 hits, and post a .282 batting average. He entered the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2019 and, in 2023, received the ultimate accolade when he was chosen for the Baseball Hall of Fame.