Fansided

Here’s how every MLB team will finish in 2018

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: Manny Machado
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: Manny Machado /
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 09: Marcell Ozuna #23 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action during a spring training game against the Houston Astros at FITTEAM Ball Park of the Palm Beaches on March 9, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 09: Marcell Ozuna #23 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action during a spring training game against the Houston Astros at FITTEAM Ball Park of the Palm Beaches on March 9, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

St. Louis Cardinals: 85.5 wins

  • Baseball Prospectus: 85 wins
  • FanGraphs: 87 wins

The Cardinals gamely held in the playoff race until the final week of the season with an inconsistent offense and bullpen. The decision to trade starter Mike Leake in August rankled some members of the team because it felt like a move to give up on the season. St. Louis actually rallied slightly after the deal, but still came up just short and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.

St. Louis was able to profit on the Marlins firesale, swooping in for All-Star outfielder Marcell Ozuna. The 27-year-old gives the team its first real superstar in the prime of his career since Albert Pujols bolted for LA. Ozuna hit .312/..376/.548 with 37 home runs and 124 RBI last year.

With Ozuna providing the power bat in the heart of the order, the Cardinals have built one of the better lineups in the National League. How good the offense will be depends on whether or not Tommy Pham and Paul DeJong can build on their breakout campaigns from a year ago.

Mike Leake’s departure may have shocked the Cardinals clubhouse last year, but it opened the door for top prospect Luke Weaver to join the rotation on a permanent basis. Phenom Alex Reyes will join the MLB club at some point this year, as could Jack Flaherty. The Cardinals pipeline of young arms is loaded.

Conclusion: The only thing missing here is a shut-down closer, but Greg Holland is still on the market and a great fit for the Cardinals. Bet on St. Louis to win at least 90 games and make a return to the playoffs.

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