The St. Louis Cardinals have faced a rocky start to the 2025 MLB season, but turned things around. They currently sit at 30-24 trailing the Chicago Cubs by three games in the NL Central. Despite their underdog status with division odds currently at +425, there is still a clear path for the Cardinals to win the NL Central — if they can capitalize on their strengths and make timely improvements.
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Strong Cardinals’ Pitching Staff Is the Foundation
One of the most encouraging signs for the Cardinals is their improving pitching staff. Left handed pitcher Matthew Liberatore has emerged as a reliable starter, posting a 3–3 record with a 2.73 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 59.1 innings.
Sonny Gray needs to find some stabilization as he has a great start but then struggles the next time out. In two of his last four outing he posted a 0.00 ERA, a 0.54 WHIP, and 18 strikeouts in 13 innings. In the other two starts he posted a 9.31 ERA, a 1.86 WHIP, and nine strikeouts in 9.2 innings.
Miles Mikolas has seemed to also figure things out, in his last three starts he is 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA, a 0.81 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts in 17.1 innings. In his other seven starts prior to that he was 2-2 with a 4.53 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts in 51.2 innings.
Young Talent Must Step Up
For the Cardinals to compete in a tough division, they’ll need strong offensive production from their young core. Players like Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman have shown flashes of potential, but consistency will be key. If these rising stars can deliver at the plate and provide run support for the pitching staff, the team’s overall performance will improve significantly.
St. Louis Cardinals Lineup Consistency
The Cardinals have two players who have played in 20+ games hitting over .300. Brendan Donovan is hitting .328 with a .848 OPS. He has 17 doubles, three home runs, 22 RBI, 29 runs scored, three stolen bases, and 15 walks. The other is Ivan Herrera who in 21 games is hitting .391 with a 1.159 OPS. He has six doubles, five home runs, 25 RBI, 17 runs scored, a stolen base, and nine walks.
Lars Nootbaar has also been solid in the leadoff spot hitting .244 with a .748 OPS. He has ten doubles, seven home runs, 25 RBI, 32 runs scored, four stolen bases, and 30 walks.
Smart Trades and Bullpen Management
Another crucial factor will be the Cardinals’ front office strategy. With rumors swirling about potential interest in closer Ryan Helsley from teams like the Diamondbacks and Blue Jays, the Cardinals must decide whether to deal from strength or reinforce their bullpen for a playoff push. Smart, targeted trades could add depth in key areas such as the outfield or bench.
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Navigating a Tough Schedule
The road ahead won’t be easy. The Cardinals face strong opponents in upcoming series. After they finish with this series with the Baltimore Orioles, they face the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, these games also present a major opportunity to make up ground. They also wrap-up June with a key four-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
A Competitive Division Still Within Reach
The NL Central is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball this season. The Cardinals, Reds, and Brewers are all within 6.5 games of the Cubs for first place in the division. This leaves the door wide open for a team like the Cardinals to surge in the standings — especially if they can string together a hot streak heading into the summer. They also sit just a half game back of the final wild-card spot in the National League.
Conclusion
While the 2025 season didn’t start as planned for the St. Louis Cardinals, all hope is far from lost. With a talented rotation, promising young hitters, and strategic decision-making, the Cardinals can absolutely contend for — and win — the National League Central. Consistency, health, and clutch performances will be the keys to their success.
