Swinging for the Fences: 3 Bold Predictions for the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2024 Season

How Will 2024 Unfold for the Cardinals?

The Cardinals are a slight favorite to win the NL Central in 2024 at +140. Four of the five teams in the division boast odds shorter than +550 to capture the division crown. With the Cardinals addressing their rotation and bullpen, expecting a bounce-back campaign appears to be in the cards. No pun intended. It's hard to expect this team with a good mix of veterans and youth to falter like they did again out the gate last season. It's not an overly compelling price tag, but there's still value in the Red Birds winning the division in 2024. 

Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt Bounce Back

Although their numbers weren't poor at face value, it wasn't the type of season we've grown to expect from Nolan Arenado or Paul Goldschmidt in 2023. With their early comments ahead of spring training, it sounds like both Cardinals' star talents have a chip on their shoulder entering 2024. Both still have plenty to give on the diamond, which should lead to excellent bounce-back campaigns in 2024. Goldschmidt is priced at +3000 to win NL MVP, while Arenado is below him at +4000. We're not saying either of these sluggers will win the award, but don't be surprised if they're in the mix. 

Sonny Gray Finishes Top 5 in NL Cy Young Voting

It was evident that with how last season concluded, the Cardinals needed to revamp their entire starting rotation, which they did. This group has a more veteran feel heading into 2024, headlined by free agent signing Sonny Gray. The former Minnesota Twins right-hander is coming off finishing second in AL Cy Young voting after tallying an 8-8 record, 2.79 ERA, and 183 strikeouts. Gray is listed just outside the top ten in NL Cy Young odds at +3000. If his recent numbers are any indication, Gray is in for another big year with a new area code in 2024. 

Jordan Walker Rakes in Sophomore Year

After a slow start to his rookie campaign, Jordan Walker performed well down the stretch and looked the part of one of the game's top prospects. Walker had a lot of hype surrounding him last year and finished with a .787 OPS in 420 at-bats. If the Cardinals want to bounce back in 2024, they'll need more length to their lineup, which Walker can provide. We're projecting a 25-home run campaign with a .815 OPS in his sophomore year. The Cardinals' win total for the year is set at 85.5. 

How Will 2024 Unfold for the Cardinals?

The Cardinals are a slight favorite to win the NL Central in 2024 at +140. Four of the five teams in the division boast odds shorter than +550 to capture the division crown. With the Cardinals addressing their rotation and bullpen, expecting a bounce-back campaign appears to be in the cards. No pun intended. It's hard to expect this team with a good mix of veterans and youth to falter like they did again out the gate last season. It's not an overly compelling price tag, but there's still value in the Red Birds winning the division in 2024.