- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The St. Louis Cardinals finished the 2026 season with 77 wins, surpassing preseason projections and climbing nine games above .500 on multiple occasions. The breakthrough came after team president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom emphasized avoiding quick fixes in rebuilding the roster.
Offensively, the club received career years from several contributors. Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker each led the league in run production. Up the middle, JJ Wetherholt and Masyn Winn delivered historic performances. Dustin May provided strong value after being acquired for $10 million for half a season.
The bullpen emerged as a significant weakness, blowing 38 saves. Ryan Fernandez and Matt Pushard were cited as unserious replacements for Chris Roycroft.
Bloom indicated modest improvements could yield substantial gains while still rejecting easy fixes. Prospects Blaze Jordan could see early action at third base, first base, or DH, while Thomas Saggese profiles as a utility player rather than a 30-homer third baseman. Outfielder Jesus Baez remains at least one year away. Nathan Church, the current center fielder, may face competition for his role.
The White Sox, meanwhile, won a mediocre division following three consecutive 100-loss seasons.
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).