Every former Cardinals player in the Postseason this year: Who should you root for?

Kansas City Royals - Chris Stratton, Paul DeJong, Michael Wacha, and Tommy Pham

If you're looking for the most former Cardinals on a team, you've found it. The I-70 rivals have scooped up several former Cardinal players, and these names are quite notable as well. Let's start with Chris Stratton, by far the least memorable. Stratton was acquired from the Pirates in the Jose Quintana trade, and he cemented himself as a staple in the Cardinals bullpen in 2022 and 2023. Once the Cardinals sold at the 2023 trade deadline, he won a World Series title in Texas and signed with the Royals this season.

Similar to Stratton, Paul DeJong was another Cardinal dealt at the 2023 trade deadline. However, his journey was not as smooth. He struggled immediately with Toronto before being cut and signing with the San Francisco Giants. After scuffling again with the Giants, DeJong had to settle for a prove-it deal with the Chicago White Sox. He's had quite the bounceback year, slashing .230/.277/.432 with solid defense at shortstop and earning himself a trade to the contending Royals at the deadline. His 24 homers this year would somehow lead the disappointing Cardinals, and despite DeJong's struggles towards the end of his tenure in St. Louis, it's great to see him having success.

Michael Wacha's 2013 rookie playoff run will forever be remembered fondly by Cardinals fans. It truly looked like he'd become an ace beside Adam Wainwright at the head of the St. Louis rotation. Despite an All-Star nod in 2015, Wacha's Cardinals career would be derailed by injury like many others on this list. He bounced between the Mets and Rays before having a resurgence with the Red Sox in 2022 (perhaps a Chaim Bloom connection?). He's been solid ever since and has found himself a fixture in the Kansas City rotation.

Last is Tommy Pham, a last-minute inclusion on this list, as the Cardinals acquired him from the Chicago White Sox at this year's trade deadline. However, once the Cardinals fell out of contention, Pham was placed on waivers per his request and claimed by Kansas City. Pham's first stint in St. Louis was great, but his return and grand slam in his first at-bat will forever leave fans wondering what could've been. Perhaps Pham has a few electric moments up his sleeve this October.

The Royals have several former fan favorites in St. Louis, and if you're not still feeling spurned by the 1985 World Series loss, you can't really go wrong rooting for Kansas City. They've got a young core led by Bobby Witt Jr., one of the most exciting emerging superstars in the game today. With savvy but not flashy spending this offseason bouncing back from a 106-loss season, they're a perfect model for what the Cardinals should aim for next year.

Former Cardinal factor - 10. Fun factor - 6. Underdog factor - 9. Total score - 25.