The Stl Cardinals Standings, one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic teams, have a legacy built on consistency, passion, and an ever-growing fan base. As of the start of 2025, the Cardinals are in the offseason, looking back at the 2024 season and beginning their preparations for the next. This article will delve deeply into the standings and overall performance of the Cardinals throughout the 2024 season. From their finish in the National League Central division to key player performances, we’ll cover all the important aspects that shaped the team’s journey this past year.
The 2024 Season Overview
The 2024 MLB season was a challenging one for theStl Cardinals Standings. The team finished the regular season with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses, placing them in second place within the National League Central Division. Although the record was solid, it was not enough to secure a playoff berth. In a highly competitive division, the Cardinals were unable to reach the postseason for the second consecutive year. Despite their efforts, they found themselves in a tough spot, battling against other contenders for a chance to advance into October baseball.
Wiki
Category | Details |
Team Name | St. Louis Cardinals |
Season | 2024 MLB Season |
Record | 83-79 |
Division | National League Central |
Division Position | 2nd place |
Division Champion | Milwaukee Brewers |
Wild Card Position | 11th in NL Wild Card |
Home Record | 45-36 |
Away Record | 38-43 |
Top Performer (Batting) | Paul Goldschmidt, .305 AVG, 30 HR, 98 RBI |
Top Performer (Pitching) | Jordan Montgomery, 3.23 ERA, 175 SO |
Manager | Oliver Marmol |
Home Stadium | Busch Stadium |
Playoffs | Did not qualify |
National League Central Division Standings
The 2024 season in the National League Central Division was competitive, with the Stl Cardinals Standings finishing in second place. Here is how the division stacked up at the end of the regular season:
Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central Champions):
The Brewers finished atop the division, securing the division title and a spot in the postseason. Their consistent play and strong pitching staff made them a tough team to beat all season long.
St. Louis Cardinals:
With an 83-79 record, the Cardinals trailed the Brewers by a considerable margin but still managed to secure second place, outpacing other divisional rivals like the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds.
Chicago Cubs:
Finishing in third place, the Cubs were right behind the Cardinals but were unable to overtake them in the standings. Their struggles in the latter half of the season ultimately cost them a chance at postseason play.
Cincinnati Reds:
The Reds showed promise throughout the season, but like the Cubs, they couldn’t break into the top two spots in the division. Their inconsistent performance kept them from achieving playoff contention.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
The Pirates finished at the bottom of the division, enduring another challenging season. Their performance was not enough to seriously challenge any of the teams ahead of them in the standings.
The National League Central was one of the most tightly contested divisions in 2024, with all teams—except the Pirates—remaining competitive throughout the year. For the Cardinals, their second-place finish reflected both the strength of their roster and the difficulty of facing off against tough division rivals.
Wild Card Standings
The Stl Cardinals Standings were not able to secure a Wild Card spot in 2024. With their 83-79 record, they ended up 11th in the National League Wild Card standings, which meant they were far from reaching the postseason. The race for the Wild Card spots was highly competitive, and several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Miami Marlins, and the Chicago Cubs, outperformed the Cardinals to claim those coveted playoff berths.
While missing the Wild Card spot was disappointing, it did serve as a reminder of how competitive the National League is becoming. For the Cardinals, it was a year where a few key games could have made all the difference in getting them into the postseason.
Key Players of the 2024 Season
Several players stood out for the Stl Cardinals Standings during the 2024 season, contributing in significant ways to the team’s performance. From veteran leadership to emerging stars, the Cardinals had a mix of talent that helped carry them through both highs and lows.
Paul Goldschmidt: The Heart of the Lineup
Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals’ veteran first baseman, continued to be one of the league’s top hitters. Goldschmidt has been the face of the franchise for several years, and in 2024, he did not disappoint. The 2023 National League MVP runner-up continued to provide power and consistency, with key performances that kept the Cardinals in many games. His ability to hit for average, combined with his power and leadership, made him indispensable for the team.
By the end of the 2024 season, Goldschmidt had recorded another impressive stat line, making him a key contributor to the Cardinals’ offense. Despite the team’s overall struggles, his performance was among the best on the squad.
Nolan Arenado: A Gold Glove Presence
On the defensive side, Nolan Arenado remained one of the premier third basemen in Major League Baseball. Known for his incredible glove and solid bat, Arenado played an integral role in the Cardinals’ infield defense. His leadership on the field and his ability to turn key double plays helped to minimize opposing offenses.
Arenado’s offensive production was solid throughout the year as well, as he continued to provide consistent power and run production in the middle of the lineup. While he didn’t necessarily post MVP-caliber numbers in 2024, his overall impact was undeniable.
Jordan Montgomery: A Reliable Arm on the Mound
On the pitching side, Jordan Montgomery emerged as one of the most reliable starters for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024. After joining the team in 2023, Montgomery quickly became a mainstay in the starting rotation. His ability to go deep into games and keep hitters off balance made him one of the team’s top performers.
Montgomery finished the season with a solid ERA and was one of the few pitchers in the rotation who could be relied upon to give the Cardinals a chance to win on any given night. His consistency was a bright spot for a pitching staff that was often inconsistent in 2024.
Tyler O’Neill: Power and Potential
Tyler O’Neill’s season was a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance followed by periods of struggles. However, his power bat remains one of the most dangerous weapons in the Cardinals’ arsenal. O’Neill’s ability to hit for both average and power, when on, could swing the momentum of a game. The key for O’Neill in 2025 will be consistency, as he is still a young player with immense potential.
O’Neill’s defensive ability in the outfield also played a critical role for the Cardinals. With his strong arm and range, he was often called upon to make key plays and save runs for the team.
Managerial Leadership and Strategy
Oliver Marmol, the Cardinals’ manager, entered his second full season as the team’s skipper in 2024. Marmol faced many challenges in his effort to guide the team to success, especially given the highly competitive nature of the NL Central. His leadership was tested throughout the season, but he made several key decisions that helped the Cardinals stay competitive.
One of Marmol’s primary focuses was balancing the use of the team’s pitching staff, which at times struggled with depth and consistency. His ability to manage the bullpen and handle pitching matchups was crucial in some of the Cardinals’ victories. Additionally, Marmol worked to build chemistry between the team’s veteran players and young stars, hoping to create a winning environment despite the team’s setbacks.
Team Needs Heading Into 2025
As the Cardinals look ahead to the 2025 season, there are several areas the team will need to address in order to improve their standings and make a push for the postseason.
Pitching Depth
One of the key areas of concern for the Cardinals in 2024 was their pitching depth. While Montgomery performed admirably, the team’s starting rotation was inconsistent. The bullpen, too, had its fair share of ups and downs. Heading into the 2025 season, the Cardinals will likely need to bolster both the starting rotation and bullpen to avoid repeating the struggles they faced in 2024.
Offensive Consistency
While the Cardinals have strong individual hitters like Goldschmidt and Arenado, the team’s offense struggled at times to produce runs consistently. In the highly competitive NL Central, teams that struggle offensively can find themselves quickly falling out of the playoff race. The Cardinals will need to find ways to score more runs and provide more support for their pitchers in the coming season.
The Development of Young Talent
The Cardinals have a solid farm system and several young players who could contribute to the team in the future. It will be crucial for the team to continue developing this young talent to provide depth and potential star power for the future. Whether it’s infielders, outfielders, or pitchers, the Cardinals need their young players to step up and play a bigger role in 2025.
Conclusion
The 2024 season was a challenging yet instructive one for the Stl Cardinals Standings. Finishing with an 83-79 record and placing second in the highly competitive National League Central Division, they fell short of playoff contention but displayed resilience throughout the year. While the Cardinals boasted some standout individual performances, particularly from players like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Jordan Montgomery, the team faced hurdles that prevented them from securing a postseason spot. The lack of consistency in both pitching and offense ultimately held them back.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Cardinals have several areas to address, notably in their pitching depth and offensive consistency. With a solid core of experienced players and a promising pipeline of young talent, the team will aim to make the necessary adjustments to compete more effectively and hopefully return to the postseason. The 2024 season may not have ended with a playoff berth, but it set the stage for the Cardinals to refocus and build for a stronger future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What were the Stl Cardinals Standings in 2024?
In 2024, the St. Louis Cardinals finished with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses. They placed second in the National League Central Division, just behind the division champions, the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite a solid record, the Cardinals did not make it to the postseason, as they finished 11th in the National League Wild Card standings.
2. Did the Cardinals make the playoffs in 2024?
No, the St. Louis Cardinals did not make the playoffs in 2024. Although they had a respectable regular season record, they fell short in both their division and the Wild Card race. The team finished second in the NL Central but was unable to secure a Wild Card berth.
3. Who were the standout players for the Cardinals in 2024?
Several players had significant contributions to the Cardinals’ 2024 season:
- Paul Goldschmidt continued to be a leader at the plate, contributing power and consistency.
- Nolan Arenado was solid both defensively and offensively, maintaining his reputation as one of the top third basemen in the league.
- Jordan Montgomery was the most reliable starter in the pitching rotation, providing solid performances throughout the year.
- Tyler O’Neill, although inconsistent, showed flashes of his powerful potential.
4. What do the Cardinals need to improve for the 2025 season?
The primary areas of improvement for the Cardinals heading into 2025 are:
- Pitching Depth: Strengthening both the starting rotation and bullpen will be key to giving the team a better chance in tight games.
- Offensive Consistency: While the team has powerful hitters, they struggled to score consistently in 2024. A more balanced and dynamic offensive approach is needed.
- Development of Young Talent: The Cardinals have promising young players in their system, and developing them into reliable contributors will be essential for long-term success.
5. How did the Cardinals perform against divisional rivals in 2024?
The Cardinals had a competitive but challenging year within the National League Central. They finished second in the division, behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who claimed the division title. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds both performed similarly to the Cardinals, but ultimately, the Cardinals’ inability to gain consistency, especially in pitching, kept them from advancing further.
6. What is the St. Louis Cardinals’ current approach to rebuilding their roster?
As of 2024, the Cardinals are focused on improving their pitching staff, both in terms of depth and consistency. With a strong core of veteran players like Goldschmidt and Arenado, the team also aims to develop and integrate younger talent into their lineup and pitching rotation. Strengthening both the offense and defense will be a priority in the offseason to better compete in the 2025 season.
7. Can the St. Louis Cardinals bounce back in 2025?
Yes, the St. Louis Cardinals have the potential to bounce back in 2025. With their talented roster, including key players like Goldschmidt, Arenado, and Montgomery, and the addition of potential new talent from their farm system, the team is positioned to improve. However, addressing the consistency issues that plagued them in 2024, particularly in pitching and offense, will be essential for their success.
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