After watching the Cardinals edge out the Astros with a 3-2 victory on Sunday, manager Oliver Marmol is feeling optimistic about his 2026 squad. This year's Cardinals aren't relying on the long ball; instead, they're embracing a gritty, small-ball style of play. With one of the youngest rosters in the Majors, they're focusing on pitching, defense, and situational hitting to stack up wins.
Marmol is confident in this approach, stating, “The Cardinals are clear on the style of play that we are looking to have this year, all year and not giving in to anything. I’m really confident in it.”
This young team is learning to win together, and that camaraderie is palpable. While leadership questions lingered early in camp, the team has collectively stepped up, creating an accountable and exciting atmosphere.
What Needs to Go Right?
For the Cardinals to succeed, they'll need to excel in the fundamentals. Last season, the starting rotation struggled, posting a combined 47-60 record with a 4.67 ERA.
Improvement is crucial, and there's hope with left-hander Matthew Liberatore leading the charge. Liberatore's spring performance, where he allowed just two walks over 15 innings, is a promising sign that control and consistency could be on the rise.
The Great Unknown
Jordan Walker, once the top prospect in the organization, remains a bit of an enigma. His inconsistency at the plate has been a concern, but he's been working diligently to refine his swing.
Walker's focus has been on slowing down and preparing for any pitch, a strategy that showed promise against the Mets recently. If he can spread the ball around the field effectively, he could finally tap into his vast potential.
Team MVP: Alec Burleson
Alec Burleson is poised for a standout year. Coming off his best season with a .290/.343/.459 slash line, 18 homers, and 69 RBIs, Burleson is ready to be the everyday first baseman.
His confidence is sky-high, with aspirations of hitting 30 homers and driving in 100 runs. This spring, he continued to impress with a .316/.458/.421 line and six RBIs over 16 games, signaling that he might be the offensive leader the team needs.
Team Cy Young: Michael McGreevy
While Liberatore gets the Opening Day start, keep an eye on Michael McGreevy. He’s expected to have a breakout season, especially against left-handed batters.
With a revamped slider and changeup, McGreevy held lefties to a .194 average this spring. Despite a 4.42 ERA last season, his determination to improve is evident.
McGreevy is set on erasing memories of past struggles, like his tough outing against the Padres last July.
Bold Prediction
The Cardinals are embracing a new era with youthful exuberance and a focus on fundamentals. If they can stick to their game plan and see growth from key players like Walker and McGreevy, this could be a season to remember in St.
Louis. The blend of emerging talent and strategic play might just make them a surprise contender in the league.