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Cardinals 2019 World Series Odds Continue Improving, Now a Top-6 Contender

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in MLB Baseball

Updated Apr 15, 2020 · 10:26 AM PDT

Paul Goldschmidt rounds the bases.
Paul Goldschmidt is changing zip codes after eight seasons with the Diamondbacks. Photo by Keith Allison (flickr)
  • The Cardinals now trail only the Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, and Dodgers in sportsbooks’ 2019 World Series odds
  • The Paul Goldschmidt trade has altered the Cardinals’ 2019 expectations
  • The Cardinals play their first Spring Training game February 23rd vs Miami

The St. Louis Cardinals’ 2019 World Series odds just keep on getting shorter. On December 3rd, days before the franchise-altering trade to land Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals were listed at +1900. A quick look at the odds available in sportsbooks now reveal a very different outlook for the Redbirds.

2019 World Series Odds

Team Odds to Win 2019 World Series (01/28/19)
New York Yankees +700
Boston Red Sox +750
Houston Astros +800
Los Angeles Dodgers +800
St. Louis Cardinals +1200
Chicago Cubs +1200
Philadelphia Phillies +1200
Milwaukee Brewers +1400
Atlanta Braves +1600
Cleveland Indians +1600

The Cardinals sit at +1200, which have them behind only the Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, and Dodgers in the current odds. They aren’t as sexy as some of the other big name clubs near the top, but that doesn’t make them any less deserving of their position. Here’s the case for why +1200 is a good money proposition:

The Paul Goldschmidt Factor

Landing Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks was an absolute game changer for the Cardinals.  He’s an MVP-caliber bat, and he’s being added to a potentially potent lineup.  Goldschmidt has three different 110+ RBI seasons since 2013, and also provides Gold Glove-quality defense. As teams fawn over the prospect of adding Bryce Harper and/or Manny Machado, the reality is the best player to change jerseys this year has already made his move.

Using the Cardinals 2018 Stats to Forecast 2019

Last season the Cardinals ranked 16th in batting average and 10th in runs scored. The team’s big acquisition in 2017 was Marcel Ozuna and he’s in a contract year.  Expect him to take a step forward, helping the team improve.  Even without Goldschmidt, the Cardinals finished with an 88-74 record and missed the playoffs by only 2.5 games.

Even without Goldschmidt, the Cardinals finished with an 88-74 record and missed the playoffs by only 2.5 games.

On the mound, St. Louis finished 12th in ERA. Miles Mikolas might be the most underrated pitcher in baseball, finishing with an 18-4 record with a 2.83 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.  Those are ace numbers, and he should bolster a strong cast of starters this year that includes a healthy Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright.

The Cardinals Bullpen is the Envy of the National League

Some quality arms to the Cardinals bullpen have really strengthened the teams outlook in the late innings. Andrew Miller, Brett Cecil and Jordan Hicks anchor a bullpen that will give Manager Mike Shildt lots of options late in games. Are they as good as the Yankees bullpen (Chapman, Betances, Britton, and Ottavino)? No. But they don’t need to be. They need to be the best in the National League, and they can be.

The Final Verdict

An 88 win team from a year ago that added an MVP candidate? Seems like a team worthy of the attention they’re getting. Expect the odds to continue to trend towards to top of the charts. If you want to hop on the Cardinals train, I’d suggest getting on while the payout is still juicy.

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