In light of this, the Cardinals are given the second-best odds to win the National League Central Division in 2024 by DraftKings Sportsbook, at +220 (31.25% chance). This means that a $100 wager would yield a $220 profit. The Chicago Cubs, who have +160 odds to win the division, are directly behind St. Louis. It’s also important to note that the Cardinals have +450 odds to win, better than the Milwaukee Brewers, the defending NL Central champions.
All of these wagers are made despite the fact that St. Louis finished last in the division in 2023 with a dismal 71-91 record. It is reasonable to argue that the Cardinals will return with a vengeance in 2019 given their offense, which finished No. 13 in the American League in terms of OPS the previous season, and the addition of Sonny Gray, the reigning American League Cy Young runner-up.
If the Cardinals are successful in bolstering their pitching staff with more weapons, they may also be able to narrow the margin of victory and win the division. Is it worthwhile to wager on the Cardinals to win the NL Central the following season and make a comeback?