Earlier this month, I did a deep dive on the former St. Louis Cardinals players on every playoff team. Now, just two of those teams remain. The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. This year's World Series will be a battle between high-powered rosters and superstar-caliber talent, but also one with a few former Cardinals playing a big role. Here are all three former Cardinals playing in the 2024 World Series.
Luke Weaver - New York Yankees
It's strange that even a few Cardinals fans are lamenting the deal that sent Luke Weaver away from St. Louis as it was the same deal that brought in 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt. After all, none of the other pieces in that deal, most notably Carson Kelly, panned out in Arizona either. However, as fans' views on Goldschmidt have soured, Weaver has excelled as a high-leverage reliever and now closer for the Yankees this Postseason.
After the Diamondbacks let Weaver go in 2022, he failed to stick with the Royals, Reds, and Mariners before finding a home in the Bronx. He made three solid starts for a struggling Yankees team last year before transitioning into the bullpen full-time in 2024. In 84 innings pitched, Weaver recorded a 2.89 ERA and an incredible stretch in September where he was nearly unhittable vaulted him into the coveted closer role as incumbent Clay Holmes struggled.
Aside from a magical comeback led by "Big Christmas" Jhonkensy Noel, Weaver has been spotless in the playoffs so far. It'll be interesting to see how he handles the toughest lineup he's faced in October so far, as the star-studded Dodgers have decimated the pitching staffs of both the Padres and Mets.