The St. Louis Cardinals, a franchise steeped in baseball history, embarked on their 143rd season in 2024. This season marked their 133rd year in the National League and their 19th at Busch Stadium III. Fans and analysts alike had high hopes for the team, anticipating a strong performance in the National League Central Division.
Season Overview
The Cardinals concluded the 2024 season with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses. This performance positioned them in third place within the NL Central, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers and narrowly missing the postseason.
Division Standings
The National League Central Division standings for 2024 were as follows:
Milwaukee Brewers: 93-69
St. Louis Cardinals: 83-79
Chicago Cubs: 83-79
Cincinnati Reds: 77-85
Pittsburgh Pirates: 76-86
Notably, the Cardinals and Cubs shared identical records, but tiebreakers placed the Cardinals ahead in the standings.
Performance Metrics
The Cardinals’ season showcased a mix of strengths and areas needing improvement:
Home and Away Records: At Busch Stadium III, the team secured 29 wins against 25 losses. On the road, they faced challenges, recording 28 wins and 30 losses.
Divisional Play: Within the NL Central, the Cardinals had a 17-19 record. Their performance against division rivals varied:
Cincinnati Reds: 4-3
Pittsburgh Pirates: 5-4
Chicago Cubs: 7-6
Milwaukee Brewers: 1-6
Monthly Breakdown:
March: 1-3
April: 13-13
May: 13-12
June: 16-12
July: 13-12
August: 1-3
June emerged as their most successful month, boasting a 57.1% win rate.
Run Differential: The team concluded the season with a run differential of -42, indicating they allowed 42 more runs than they scored.
Close Games: In one-run games and extra-inning matchups, the Cardinals held a 21-18 record, showcasing resilience in tight situations.
Key Players and Contributions
Several players made significant impacts during the season:
Paul Goldschmidt: The veteran first baseman led the team with 22 home runs, providing consistent power in the lineup.
Brendan Donovan: Emerging as a reliable hitter, Donovan accumulated 163 hits, leading the team in this category.
Josiah Gray: On the mound, Gray faced challenges, recording 203 strikeouts but also leading in strikeouts, indicating areas for growth.
Season Highlights
Despite missing the playoffs, the 2024 season featured memorable moments:
Winning Streaks: The team achieved a five-game winning streak, reflecting their potential when in sync.
Resilient Performances: The Cardinals displayed grit in close games, securing 21 wins in one-run contests, underscoring their competitive spirit.
Challenges Faced
The season wasn’t without its hurdles:
Consistency Issues: The team struggled to maintain momentum, evident in their alternating monthly records.
Pitching Depth: While there were standout performances, the overall pitching staff faced challenges, contributing to the negative run differential.
Divisional Matchups: A 1-6 record against the Brewers highlighted difficulties against top division rivals.
Looking Ahead
As the Cardinals transition to the 2025 season, several focal points emerge:
Roster Enhancements: Addressing gaps, particularly in pitching depth, will be crucial.
Player Development: Investing in young talent and refining skills of current roster members can bolster performance.
Strategic Adjustments: Analyzing past strategies and implementing changes can position the team more favorably in close games.
Recent Trends and Game Highlights
The Cardinals’ season unfolds as a series of shifting momentum. Sometimes, they ride a wave of victories, stringing together impressive wins that propel them up the standings. These winning streaks often coincide with standout performances, such as a pitcher throwing a complete game shutout or a batter hitting multiple home runs in a single contest. Conversely, the team also experiences periods of struggle, where losses accumulate and the team’s confidence wavers. During these slumps, the Cardinals might face challenges in both their offensive and defensive play, resulting in frustrating losses.
Game highlights provide a glimpse into the team’s overall performance and the individual contributions of players. A clutch hit in a crucial moment, a diving catch that saves a run, or a dominant pitching performance that shuts down the opposition—these are the moments that define the Cardinals’ season and resonate with fans. The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity and capitalize on opportunities ultimately shapes their trajectory and determines their success throughout the season.
Fan Engagement
The Cardinals’ fan base remained steadfast throughout the season:
Attendance: Busch Stadium III welcomed 2,878,115 attendees, ranking 6th among 15 teams, reflecting unwavering support.
Community Initiatives: The organization continued its community outreach, strengthening bonds with fans and the St. Louis community.
The 2024 season for the St. Louis Cardinals was a blend of commendable efforts and areas needing attention. While they fell short of postseason aspirations, the foundation remains strong. With strategic enhancements and leveraging their rich history, the Cardinals are poised to return stronger in the upcoming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2024 Standings
1. How did the St. Louis Cardinals perform in the 2024 season?
The Cardinals finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, securing third place in the National League Central Division. They had a solid season but fell short of making the playoffs.
2. Did the Cardinals qualify for the 2024 MLB playoffs?
No, the Cardinals missed the postseason. Despite a competitive record, they could not secure a wild card or division title, finishing behind the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs.
3. Who were the standout players for the Cardinals in 2024?
Key contributors included Paul Goldschmidt, who led the team with 22 home runs, and Brendan Donovan, who had the most hits (163). On the pitching side, Josiah Gray recorded the most strikeouts (203) but faced challenges with consistency.
4. What was the Cardinals’ record against division rivals?
The Cardinals struggled in divisional play, finishing 17-19 against NL Central opponents. They had a tough time against the Brewers (1-6) but performed better against the Cubs (7-6) and Reds (4-3).
5. What was the biggest challenge for the Cardinals in 2024?
Commanders Inconsistency was a major issue, both in their pitching rotation and overall performance. The team also struggled to close the gap against top division rivals like the Brewers, which hurt their chances of a postseason run.
6. What can fans expect from the Cardinals in 2025?
Will The team is expected to focus on strengthening its pitching staff, improving consistency, and developing young talent. With key players returning and potential offseason moves, the Cardinals will aim for a stronger postseason push in 2025.
To read more, Click Here
