Cardinal Team Enjoys an Exceptional 17-Year High Start in Performance
The St. Louis Cardinals are making a strong push to secure a playoff spot, mirroring the team's performance in 2008, a season that saw them narrowly miss out on the postseason. As of June 30, 2025, the Cardinals have a record of 47-38, translating to a winning percentage of .553 for the season so far.
The 2008 team, which is the most comparable to the current squad, finished with an 86-76 record. Despite boasting a solid offense and a very mediocre, pitch-to-contact rotation, they failed to clinch a playoff spot. In the current rotation, Erick Fedde has the lowest K/9 rate (5.5), a statistic that would place him near the top for the 2008 rotation, with the leader that year sitting at 6.3 K/9.
The National League Central looks reminiscent of the 2008 season, with four teams currently sitting above .500 on the year. The Cardinals are four games behind the Cubs, who lead the division. If the season ended today, the Cardinals would hold the third Wild Card spot.
The Cardinals' record through 85 games is their fifth-best record in the past 20 years. The 2015 and 2005 Cardinal teams hold the number one spot for best winning percentage through 85 games. The 2015 team, for instance, had Matt Carpenter, Jason Heyward, and Randal Grichuk backing up a solid rotation.
Manager Oli Marmol is a solid contender for Manager of the Year. If the season ended today, experts would find it hard to find another manager having a better season, given low expectations. This winning percentage ranks them fifth, just one win behind the 2008 club.
The Cardinals are aiming to replicate the success of some of their best seasons in the past 20 years. Notable seasons include the 2011 World Series-winning team, the 2013 team that finished with a 97-65 record, and the 2014 and 2015 teams that finished with 90-72 and 100-62 records respectively. Each of those teams won 100 games and won the division.
The 2025 Cardinals are currently on pace for a 90-72 record and are holding the third and final Wild Card spot. The team's performance this season is a testament to the resilience and determination of the players and management, as they strive to bring another championship to St. Louis.
In the current National League Central, the Cardinals are making a comeback reminiscent of the 2008 season, with four teams currently above .500, much like in 2008. Manager Oli Marmol, a potential candidate for Manager of the Year, is leading the team in American football-style sports analysis, aiming to replicate the success of some of their best seasons in the past 20 years, including those of the NFL (National Football League), where they won the division and 100 games.
