ST. LOUIS — Seemingly every MLB season, there’s at least one team that no one sees coming, defies all computer models and manufactures a storybook run to and through the playoffs.
The Toronto Blue Jays, who went from worst to first in their division and surged to the World Series before losing a Game 7 in excruciating fashion to the dynastic Dodgers, were that team in 2025. The Cardinals, a club uncharacteristically out of the playoffs three straight seasons, hope to pull off a similar feat in 2026 while authoring a postseason return.
Call it a Blue Jays blueprint for the Redbirds.
Since 1947, the Cardinals have had stretches of at least three straight years out of the playoffs five times, including the current drought. The previous four times the franchise responded by reaching the NLCS (2019, 2000 and 1996) or winning the World Series (1982 and 1964).
All that, of course, is ancient history, but there is at least historical proof of St. Louis’ resiliency and relevance. Here are some ways the Cardinals can follow what Toronto did — sans the Jays’ $255.2 million payroll — to work their way back into the playoffs.
Be aggressive in promoting players
Trey Yesavage made his professional debut in Single-A before 327 fans at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium — Spring Training home of the Cardinals and Marlins — on April 8 and wrapped up his circuitous season by pitching in Game 7 of the World Series. Before that, he notched huge wins over the Yankees, Mariners and Dodgers.
The Blue Jays clearly knew what they had in the 22-year-old, split-balling sensation, and they didn’t hesitate in promoting him after just 22 Minor League starts.
The Cards would be wise to be similarly aggressive with hard-throwing lefty Liam Doyle and catcher Rainiel Rodriguez, their Nos. 2 and 3-ranked prospects, per MLB Pipeline. Doyle, the No. 5 overall pick in July’s MLB Draft, pushed to pitch in the pros last season, and the Cards got him into Single-A and Double-A games. Maybe, just maybe, the seasoned college pitcher will open in Double-A next year and have an attainable path to a Cards club needing swing-and-miss stuff.
The club might be more patient with Rodriguez, who doesn’t turn 19 until Jan. 4. But his .954 OPS as an 18-year-old — and rave reviews from Nolan Arenado following hitting sessions — scream potential greatness for the DH/catcher.
Continue building a deep lineup that puts the ball in play
When the Jays arrived in St. Louis at 35-30 on June 9, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol predicted that his club might struggle in the series because of the lack of holes in Toronto’s loaded lineup. Accordingly, the Jays took all three games and took off on a run that helped them capture the AL pennant.
Sure, Toronto had star power in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer, but it also had a complete lineup that ranked first in MLB in batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.333), third in OPS (.760) and sixth in slugging (.427). Also, Toronto was MLB’s hardest team to strike out in 2025.
The Cardinals made tremendous strides in the first half of the season under hitting coach Brant Brown, who preached about there being “a time to slug and a time to hit.” Much of that progress fell off, but the club now knows the scrappy, relentless approach it must have to be successful.
In budding star Iván Herrera, All-Star Brendan Donovan, promising hitters Alec Burleson and Masyn Winn, a healthy Willson Contreras and top prospect JJ Wetherholt, the Cardinals have the core of what should be a solid, scrappy lineup. Cutting down on strikeouts — the Cards had the ninth-fewest K’s in MLB in 2025 (1,321) — will be key.
Partner with the Pirates
Pittsburgh needs offense and St. Louis needs pitchers with swing-and-miss stuff. Working at pitcher-friendly Busch Stadium could finally unlock the potential of Mitch Keller, who is owed a relatively reasonable $55.7 million over the next three seasons. Also, the Cards could likely avoid trading Donovan and instead deal from their catching depth.
St. Louis might be the change of scenery Keller needs to reach his potential. His strikeout rate has plunged, but he’s just the kind of project pitcher the Cards have had success with in the past.
Finally, bring Max Scherzer home
Hey, acquiring Scherzer worked for the Jays, who rode a couple of strong Mad Max playoff performances this October.
Scherzer — a Chesterfield, Mo., native — was a 43rd-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2003 before he opted for Mizzou. Through the years, St. Louis passed on chances to sign or trade for the likely future Hall of Famer that many fans consider the one who got away.
