After 18 COVID-19 cases, 11 doubleheaders, and three playoff games, the St. Louis Cardinals season has come to an end. The Cards finished the regular season with a record of 30-28. Their record earned them second place in the National League Central and a guaranteed spot in the postseason. Unfortunately, the San Diego Padres dashed the Cardinals playoff hopes in a three-game Wild Card series. The Padres shut out the Cardinals in the last game of the series, capitalizing on a weak St. Louis offense.
Offensive Struggles
Across Major League Baseball, the Cardinals ranked 22nd in batting average, 27th in slugging percentage, and last in home runs. The Cardinals lineup lacked consistency and power. While the shortened season and difficult schedule may have contributed to the offense’s problems, the Cardinals simply did not have the bats they needed. The Cards’ quiet offseason brought back the same lackluster offense the team saw in 2019.
Still, there was one positive offensive development. Coming off a slightly disappointing 2019 season, Paul Goldschmidt slashed .304/.417/.466. Though he only hit six home runs, he was by far the team’s best hitter. He proved himself to be the elite player the Cardinals traded for in 2018. Goldschmidt’s contract extends through 2024, so the Cardinals will look to build up their lineup around him.
Trouble in the Outfield
The team’s offense was bad overall, but the outfield’s offense was worse. Harrison Bader, Dexter Fowler, Lane Thomas, Tyler O’Neill, and Dylan Carlson split playing time in the outfield. Fowler led those five players in batting average, batting just .233. While Bader’s numbers improved from 2019, he still slashed only .226/.336/.443. O’Neill won a Gold Glove but hit well under .200. Thomas was removed from the active roster in September. For much of the season, the outfielders batted seventh, eighth, and ninth in the lineup. Last winter, the Cardinals lost left fielder Marcell Ozuna to free agency and traded right fielder Randy Arozarena to the Tampa Bay Rays. Both players had very successful seasons, drawing more attention to the weak Cardinals outfield. Improving offensive production in the outfield will be a priority this winter.
Cardinals Pitching
Throughout the season, the pitching staff was the Cardinals strength. Cardinals pitchers posted a 1.23 WHIP and 3.90 ERA, even after losing several starting pitchers to the Injured List. Though newcomer Kwang Hyun Kim suffered a mid-season kidney ailment, he still pitched in eight games with a 1.62 ERA. Dakota Hudson put up a 2.77 ERA over eight starts. Austin Gomber, Tyler Webb, Andrew Miller, Alex Reyes, and John Gant all played huge relief roles.
Of course, not everything went well for Cardinals pitchers. Jack Flaherty did not repeat his stellar 2019 performance, ending the season with a 4.91 ERA. That said, he allowed only one run over six innings in his postseason start. There is no reason to think he won’t be the Cardinals ace again in 2021. Unfortunately, 28-year-old Carlos Martinez had a much worse season. He allowed 22 earned runs and six home runs in 20 innings. Next year, the Cardinals will likely keep Martinez in a bullpen role.
Carlson Debut
Dylan Carlson was the Cardinals’ top prospect heading into 2020 and his debut was highly anticipated. The 22-year-old switch hitter debuted on August 15th. After going 12 for 74, he was optioned on September 8th. When Carlson returned to the team 10 days later, his hitting saw significant improvement. He posted a .936 OPS over his last 40 plate appearances. Carlson was three for nine with three walks in the postseason. Considering his increased offensive production at the end of the season and his solid defense throughout, the Cardinals are very optimistic about Carlson’s future.
Yadi and Waino
One of the biggest questions for the Cardinals this offseason is whether or not Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright will return. Each veteran is a free agent and the Cardinals will be limited by their payroll. Before the pandemic, Molina expressed interest in playing two more years for St. Louis. In 2020, he batted .262 and hit four home runs. He also collected his 2,000th hit this season. Though Molina’s bat is not as hot as it once was, he remains an invaluable team member. It is hard to picture Yadi in anything but a Cardinals uniform.
Wainwright pitched 10 games this season and posted a 3.15 ERA. While he certainly benefited from the shortened season, his 1.051 WHIP and 3.60 K/BB ratio prove that he still has gas left in the tank. The 39-year-old is not only a St. Louis fan favorite but also an effective and experienced rock in the rotation. On his 39th birthday, Waino threw his 23rd complete game. After the last out was recorded, he put his mask on to hug Molina. He told reporters, “I know six feet apart is the real deal, but there is not anything in the world that could have kept me from hugging Yadier Molina right there.” Every Cardinals fan is crossing their fingers for more Wainwright and Molina moments in 2021.
Outlook
The Cardinals are looking to add offense to the lineup and retain some key players this winter. However, the team is also looking to cut costs due to a loss of revenue in 2020. In order to return to the postseason for the third straight year, the Cardinals will need to find consistent offensive production and fill any gaps left by free agents. Nobody knows what the 2021 season will look like, but hopefully, the Redbirds will be back in the race for the National League Central Division title.
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