CARDINALS COMEBACK? St. Louis Continues Its Improbable Run in 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals were in Danger Of falling far out of the NL Central race… but a Miracle in May has helped put them right back ON Track

By Ryan K Boman | May 14, 2025

The 2025 St. Louis Cardinals are a hard team to figure out. Going into the season, they were picked to be mediocre at best. Expected to trade away star third baseman Nolan Arenado, many felt the remaining roster of Redbirds would only be good enough to operate in obscurity.

Optimism may have been at an all-time low in Cardinal Nation, and it was reflected in early attendance figures. Once known for drawing three million fans a year to Busch Stadium, the seats looked as naked as Lady Godiva by the end of April. This team seemed dead in the water, and the fan base, who were already weary of ownership and Team President John Mozeliak, were making their feelings known.

But somewhere on the way to St. Louis’ Summer of Discontent came a flash of lightning. From out of nowhere, this lowly regarded roster began scratching out victories any way they could. And following their Thursday night shellacking of the Phillies by the ‘football score’ of 14-7, they are back in the mix for the NL Central Division title.

As of this writing, the Cards sit one game behind their biggest rivals, the Chicago Cubs, whom they won’t face until a series starting June 23. But between now and then, St. Louis has a chance to be comfortably in the lead if they continue to play at the pace they are on right now.

The Cardinals’ Youth Movement has been Hit or Miss

**Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II**

2025 was supposed to be the season where we finally saw the highest prospects in the Cardinals’ organization step forward. The cornerstones of which were originally believed to be Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn.

But perhaps the most prodigious of prospects has been the speedy Victor Scott II, who has given the team a big boost early in the season. He’s currently hitting .278 and leading the club with 13 stolen bases. His electrifying energy on the base paths adds a once-forgotten element to the Redbirds’ offense.

On the flip side of Scott II is fellow outfielder Jordan Walker. Once the jewel of the team’s farm system, he has struggled every time he’s reached the Major League level. Blessed with a 6’6″ frame and raw power, Walker was tabbed as the next great hitter in the franchise’s history. Unfortunately, he’s only batting .184 in 125 at-bats this season, to go along with two homers and 13 RBI.

Likewise, second baseman Nolan Gorman has struggled. He was pegged to be a legitimate threat in the Cards’ lineup, but he’s hitting just .173 with one homer and nine RBI. Luckily for manager Oliver Marmol, Winn has played great defense and is hitting .281. But the team still isn’t getting everything it expected from its youth movement, and they may be facing a decision soon on some of their ‘overripe’ prospects.

A Division Title Would Secure Oliver Marmol

Had the season gone the way that it was originally trending, then St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol would be sitting on the hot seat right now. He wasn’t the first choice of Cardinal Nation, who didn’t want to see another first-time manager, after the failed tenure of Mike Matheny.

And while you can’t say whether or not this turnaround is because of something the Skipper did or not, it doesn’t matter to Cardinal fans now. The team is winning… and possibly even winning back the hearts of some jilted fans.

Can the Cardinals sustain the rhythm they have been displaying recently? Probably not at this pace, where they have gone 9-1 in their last 10 games. But as far as having enough gas in the tank to fight it out for the division title? That’s already been established… albeit by a team that no one thought would be where they are right now.

In years past, the Cardinals have found almost miraculous ways to beat the odds. Whether it was Whiteyball vs. the Wall Bangers in ’82 or David Friese becoming a superhero in 2011, this franchise has seemingly always had a flair for the dramatic. The way they are playing right now? Don’t be surprised if they’re fighting it out for a postseason berth in September.

St Louis journalist Bernie Miklasz on the Cardinals’ Turnaround | via STL Sports Hub