The St. Louis Cardinals carry a rich history and an incredibly loyal fan base. Heading into the 2026 season, there’s this odd mix of hope and wariness in the air.
The latest ZiPS projections give us a closer look at what might be in store. Fangraphs put these together, crunching all sorts of stats and trends to map out how the Cardinals’ roster could perform—where they look strong, where things seem shaky, and what’s just plain unpredictable.
So, what do we actually learn from these ZiPS numbers? Let’s pick out the big stuff and see what fans might want to watch for as the year unfolds.
Overview of the 2026 ZiPS Projections
The 2026 ZiPS projections for the Cardinals try to capture the team’s possible outcomes. The system digs into historical stats, player performance, and a bunch of other variables to guess how the season could shake out.
For St. Louis, it’s a mixed bag—some guys look set to break out, others might stumble a bit. That’s baseball, right?
Key Players to Watch
A handful of players really jump off the page in these projections. Among them:
- Nolan Arenado: He’s still the anchor at third base, both at the plate and in the field. Arenado’s all-around game makes him absolutely central to what the Cardinals want to do.
- Paul Goldschmidt: Goldy keeps bringing steady power and leadership. He’s the guy you want up in a big spot and the kind of veteran presence that holds a clubhouse together.
- Dylan Carlson: Carlson’s growth is one of the more intriguing storylines. He’s young, but the projections hint at a real leap this year.
Strengths of the Cardinals Roster
The ZiPS numbers do point out some real strengths for the 2026 squad. A few things stand out right away.
Solid Defense
The Cardinals’ reputation for defense isn’t just talk. Arenado and Goldschmidt should keep the infield sharp, gobbling up grounders and making tough plays look routine.
In the outfield, Carlson’s range and instincts could make a real difference. Defense is one area where the team just doesn’t seem to slip.
Veteran Leadership
Having guys like Arenado and Goldschmidt around gives the whole roster a boost. Their experience matters, especially when the season gets long and the pressure cranks up.
Younger players can lean on them, and that’s not something every team can claim.
Areas of Concern
Of course, the ZiPS projections aren’t all rosy. A couple of issues could trip up the Cardinals if things break the wrong way.
Pitching Depth
Pitching depth looks like a real question mark. There are a few reliable arms, but beyond that, things get thin in a hurry.
If injuries pop up or someone just loses their edge, the staff could be in trouble. That’s a tough spot for any team.
Offensive Consistency
Then there’s the offense. Sure, Arenado and Goldschmidt should deliver, but it’s not clear who else will step up night after night.
The lineup might go through some dry spells, and that could cost them in tight games.
Prospects and Future Outlook
The projections also give us a peek at the Cardinals’ pipeline. Young talent matters, and this team’s got some coming up.
Emerging Talents
Dylan Carlson’s progress is just the start. Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn are in the mix too, both with a shot to make some noise soon.
Seeing how these guys adjust to the big leagues will be pretty interesting—no guarantees, but the upside is there.
Farm System Strength
The farm system still looks like a real asset. Developing homegrown talent is just baked into the Cardinals’ DNA at this point.
With several prospects on the verge, there’s a sense that the organization’s future is in decent hands. It’s not perfect, but who ever said building a winner was easy?
The 2026 ZiPS projections for the St. Louis Cardinals paint a pretty detailed picture of what might be in store. There’s plenty to like—strong defense stands out, and the veteran leadership should help steady the ship.
Still, a few things need work. The pitching staff’s depth? That’s a question mark. And honestly, how the young guys develop could make or break the season.
If you want to dive deeper, check out the 2026 ZiPS projections for the St. Louis Cardinals on Fangraphs. It’s packed with extra details and some opinions you might not expect as the Cardinals look ahead to 2026.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
