What Is 2015 St Louis Cardinals season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 St. Louis Cardinals finished the regular season with a 100-62 record, winning the NL Central Division. They advanced to the NLDS but were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in a 3-1 series loss.

Key Facts

Finished regular season with a 100-62 record, best in the National League
Won the NL Central Division by 11 games over the Pittsburgh Pirates
Advanced to the NLDS for the fourth consecutive year
Lost to the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in the NL Division Series
Manager Mike Matheny led the team to his fourth playoff appearance in four seasons

Overview

The 2015 St. Louis Cardinals delivered one of the most dominant regular seasons in franchise history, posting a 100-62 record—the best win total in Major League Baseball that year. They secured the National League Central title with relative ease, finishing 11 games ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates and showcasing consistent performance across all facets of the game.

Despite their regular-season success, the Cardinals' postseason run ended earlier than expected. After advancing to the National League Division Series, they were defeated by the upstart Chicago Cubs in four games. Still, the 2015 season represented a high point in the team’s recent era of sustained competitiveness under manager Mike Matheny.

100-62 record: The Cardinals achieved their first 100-win season since 2005, leading the majors in victories and finishing with the best record in the National League.
Division title: They clinched the NL Central on September 30, marking their fifth division title in six seasons and solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the league.
Adam Wainwright: Despite missing time due to injury, Wainwright contributed 17 wins and a 3.38 ERA before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in April 2015.
Yadier Molina: The veteran catcher played in 137 games, maintaining a .307 batting average and providing strong leadership behind the plate.
Team defense: Ranked first in defensive runs saved among NL teams, thanks to elite infield play from players like Kolten Wong and Jhonny Peralta.

How It Works

The 2015 Cardinals' success stemmed from a balanced blend of veteran leadership, disciplined hitting, and strong starting pitching. Their approach emphasized fundamentals, on-base consistency, and defensive reliability—hallmarks of the franchise's philosophy under general manager John Mozeliak.

Disciplined offense: The team led the NL in on-base percentage (.335) and ranked second in walks, drawing over 600 bases on balls as a unit.
Starting rotation depth: Beyond Wainwright, Lance Lynn (12-11, 3.60 ERA) and Michael Wacha (10-7, 3.38 ERA) provided stability, though injuries impacted rotation consistency.
Relief pitching: Closer Trevor Rosenthal recorded 40 saves but struggled in the postseason with a 15.43 ERA across two appearances.
Player development: The Cardinals relied on homegrown talent, with 60% of innings pitched by players developed in their farm system.
Managerial strategy: Mike Matheny emphasized situational baseball, including frequent bunting and aggressive base running, with 86 stolen bases on the season.
Ballpark advantage: Playing at Busch Stadium, they posted a 52-29 home record, leveraging familiar conditions and fan support.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Cardinals compared to key NL contenders in critical statistical categories:

Team	Record	Runs Scored	ERA	Home Wins
St. Louis Cardinals	100-62	627	3.42	52
Chicago Cubs	97-65	724	3.15	51
Pittsburgh Pirates	98-64	667	3.47	50
New York Mets	90-72	655	2.99	47
Los Angeles Dodgers	92-70	656	3.45	48

The Cardinals ranked highest in wins but trailed the Cubs and Pirates in runs scored. Their pitching staff was solid but less dominant than the Mets’, who had the NL’s best ERA. The Cubs, who ultimately beat them in the NLDS, outperformed them offensively and gained momentum with a young core led by Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season is remembered as both a peak and a turning point for the Cardinals’ core group. While they demonstrated elite regular-season performance, their early playoff exit signaled shifting power dynamics in the NL, particularly with the rise of the Cubs.

End of an era: The 2015 NLDS loss marked the last playoff series appearance for the Cardinals’ core until 2022, beginning a transitional phase.
Rise of the Cubs: Chicago’s victory signaled a shift in the NL Central balance, ending St. Louis’ dominance in the division.
Injury impact: Adam Wainwright’s Achilles injury in April limited his effectiveness and foreshadowed future rotation instability.
Front office strategy: The team’s reliance on internal development continued, but criticism grew over lack of offensive firepower.
Fan expectations: A 100-win season raised hopes for a World Series, making the early exit especially disappointing for the fanbase.
Historical context: The 100-win season tied for the third-highest in franchise history, underscoring the team’s sustained excellence since 2004.

The 2015 St. Louis Cardinals remain a benchmark for regular-season excellence, even as their postseason shortcomings highlighted the challenges of maintaining long-term dominance in a competitive league.