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The St. Louis Cardinals endured a disappointing 2026 campaign, finishing 77-85 and placing fourth in the National League Central. As a result, October baseball will once again proceed without them, marking another year of playoff absence for the storied franchise. Yet, for Cardinals faithful, the postseason still holds intrigue—especially in the American League, where the Championship Series matchup was finalized Saturday night when the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox to earn a showdown with the Tampa Bay Rays.
For those in St. Louis seeking a team to back, there are compelling cases for both remaining AL clubs, whether due to former Cardinals on their rosters or parallels to the roster-building approach the Cardinals are attempting to emulate.
Why the Guardians Deserve Your Support
Cleveland operates with the lowest payroll in Major League Baseball, a fact that should resonate with Cardinals fans. St. Louis is striving to improve while reducing financial commitments, and the Guardians serve as living proof that such a strategy can yield success. The only former Cardinal on Cleveland's roster is relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong, who wore the birds on the bat for merely a month. Nevertheless, this gritty Midwestern club has consistently defied expectations and overcome obstacles, reminiscent of past Cardinals championship squads.
Why the Rays Are Worth Rooting For
Tampa Bay presents a fascinating case, particularly because Chaim Bloom—now tasked with revitalizing the Cardinals—was instrumental in pioneering the Rays' approach to developing young talent. Like Cleveland, Tampa Bay thrives despite a modest payroll. Former Cardinals Steven Matz and Richie Palacios currently suit up for the Rays. More importantly, while many teams rely heavily on home runs to score, the Rays excel at manufacturing runs and executing fundamentals without needing to go deep frequently. This style echoes the Cardinals' "Whiteyball" era of the 1980s, when St. Louis won by playing small ball. The Rays exemplify how the Cardinals might return to scoring more runs and winning more games, making their series against the Guardians a intriguing study.
Overall, there is much to admire about this Tampa Bay team, and if the Cardinals can successfully implement a similar strategy, their future looks promising.
Curt Bishop is a freelance sports writer who graduated from Maryville University of St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He contributes to various platforms covering Major League Baseball, including trade and free agency predictions, rumors, and news. For business or marketing inquiries regarding St. Louis Cardinals On SI, contact Scott Neville at [email protected]. Follow bishopcurtis5.