When questioned about the confidence the Cardinals seem to have in an underperforming lineup’s potential to improve from within despite the likely departure of a cleanup hitter, the team’s decision-makers cite a variety of reasons.

There are projections that suggest upticks for certain hitters. There is an admittance of hope for others.

LOADING…

The 91-win, 2019 Cardinals reclaimed first place in the National League Central for the first time since 2015. They got there, and all the way to the National League Championship Series, with an offense that was rarely on, often mediocre and unplugged in the final four games against the eventual World Series champion Nationals.