The 2026 St. Louis Cardinals have just one month left to play, and the math is ugly. After hosting the Pirates, the team could have been a winning squad. Rather, that series was lost, and they now sit one or two victories short of the 70-win plateau. This number matters because it is the exact total Vegas odds predicted for the season. According to Viva El Birdos, the team is set to be a betting payout for anyone who took the under. It is a tough pill to swallow for fans who expected a bounce back.
The Injury Bug Bites Hard
The season started with warped projections showing a path to .500 or better. The Cardinals have the ability to go over that mark, but they cannot stay there by more than nine games. They likewise appear unable to drop much further beneath the line, though a mess still traps them.
The main reason for this struggle is a lack of health for key players. Veterans such as Masyn Winn, JJ Wetherholt, Andre Pallante, and the rising Hunter Dobbins might all have remained fit. Their absence leaves a huge hole in the lineup and the rotation. Without them, the team looks like it will end up ten games or more below .500. Or worse, they just tread water and struggle to find a rhythm.
Rookie of the Year Drama
With the season winding down, the focus shifts to the young players getting their final auditions. Promotions to players like Leo Bernal, Carson Benge, and Sal Rincon feel like tests for next year more than a push for a playoff spot. The Rookie of the Year race is now a three-way battle with clear strengths for each guy. If you value defense above all else, the vote goes to JJ Wetherholt.
He leads in overall value unless someone makes up a lot of WAR very fast. Some fans might scoff at the WAR stat, but it is the best measure of total value. For those who want hitting mixed with good defense, Carson Benge is the pick. He has a steadily increasing OPS, a strong throwing arm, and steady play in right field. But if you just want counting stats like home runs and RBIs, Sal Stewart is your guy. He has racked up over 100 RBI already despite playing for one of the worst offenses in baseball. He also hit 30 home runs. His defense is weak compared to the others, but the power numbers are undeniable.
A Glimmer of Hope in LA
Despite the gloom, the team did show they can hit when the bats are hot. In a recent game in Los Angeles, the St. Louis Cardinals offense announced its presence with a bang. They hammered the Dodgers mercilessly in a game that saw back-to-back homers from Ramón UrÃas and Thomas Saggese to start the scoring. Jordan Walker and Ivan Herrera added to the damage with key hits and runs. The team built a 7-0 lead before the Dodgers even woke up. Thomas Saggese hit another home run to make it 10-3. It was a rare night where everything clicked. The Cardinals did not forget to ship their bats to Dodger Stadium.
