The St. Louis Cardinals enter the 2025 season with a sense of urgency. After a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them miss the postseason, the front office made aggressive moves to reestablish their dominance in the National League. But will these changes be enough to lift them back to the top, or is another season of heartbreak looming?
Determined to avoid another letdown, the Cardinals bolstered their pitching staff, adding a frontline starter to complement Miles Mikolas and retooling a bullpen that struggled with consistency. Offensively, the team addressed their lack of power by acquiring a proven slugger to back up Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, who are both entering the twilight of their careers.
The lineup still features emerging stars like Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn, giving St. Louis a blend of experience and youth.
The Cardinals are no longer the automatic favorites in the division. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds have young, dynamic rosters, while the Milwaukee Brewers remain a tough opponent. If St. Louis stumbles out of the gate, they could find themselves playing catch-up in a division that has become more competitive than ever.
For manager Oliver Marmol, this season carries significant weight. Another failure to reach the playoffs—or an early postseason exit—could lead to major changes in leadership. The Cardinals’ fanbase, accustomed to winning, won’t tolerate mediocrity.
If the pitching staff holds up and the offense delivers in key moments, St. Louis has the pieces to reclaim its place atop the National League. However, if the same inconsistencies from 2024 resurface, another October disappointment could be on the horizon.
The 2025 season isn’t just about making the playoffs—it’s about proving that the Cardinals are still a force in the National League. Will they rise to the occasion, or will St. Louis endure another year of unfulfilled expectations? The answer will unfold in the months ahead.
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