Who are the last 5 Cardinals players with 100 RBI seasons?
There are surprisingly few Cardinals with 100 RBI seasons
Throughout the 2000s, the St. Louis Cardinals have had several high-caliber hitters. Unfortunately, those hitters didn't produce very many runs batted in.
Throughout the past two decades, the Cardinals had tremendous success—four World Series appearances with two World Series Championships in 2006 and 2011. The Cardinals had several winning seasons with many memorable moments, including numerous playoff appearances.
But that success didn't translate into equal success for many of the Cardinals' stacked rosters during that time frame. Fans would think several players had over 100 RBI during this time.
That's just not so.
Considering how horrible the 2023 season is, the Cardinals do have a player who could hit 100 RBI this season. Nolan Arenado has 85 RBI as of Aug. 20. The rest of the team is far off the mark to hit 100 RBI. Given the team's record of 54-66, it's not surprising.
But the Cardinals have had some fantastic players. Let's look at the players who did have over 100 RBI seasons.
5. Ryan Ludwick in 2008
Ludwick had the best season of his career for the Cardinals in 2008. He was a Silver Slugger that season and a member of the NL All-Star team. He slashed .299/.375/.591 with an OPS of .966. He had had 40 doubles that season, three triples, 37 home runs, 104 runs scored, and 113 RBI.
Ludwick signed as a free agent with the Cardinals in 2008. At the trade deadline in 2010, art of a 3-team trade by the Cardinals to the Padres. The Padres sent Corey Kluber to Cleveland. The Padres sent Nick Greenwood to the Cardinals Cleveland sent Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals. This was a pretty controversial move that still upsets fans. Even with his help in the 2011 World Series, Westbrook was not a fan favorite.
4. Matt Holliday in 2010 and 2012
Matt Holliday had some fantastic seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, quickly leading him to be named to the Cardinals Hall of Fame. Holliday was a member of the Cardinals from 2009 - 2016. He was a member of the Cardinals 2011 World Series Championship team. He also played on the 2013 NLCS championship team.
Holliday was one of the most prolific hitters for the Cardinals during his time with the team, leading to significant run production. In 2010, Holliday hit 103 RBI. In 2012, he hit 102 RBI. He was a member of the NL All-Star team in both seasons and did receive MVP votes. He was a Silver Slugger in 2010, as well.
3. Nolan Arenado in 2021 and 2022
Since being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals before 2021, Nolan Arenado has remained one of Major League Baseball's top players. He's been an NL All-Star and a Gold Glove defender at third base. In 2022, he was a Silver Slugger and was third in the MVP voting.
He's crossed the century mark for RBI in both seasons he's been with the Cardinals and is well on his way to hitting the mark again this season. In 2021, he hit 105 RBI. In 2022, he hit 103 RBI. As of Aug 20., Arenado has 85 RBI and seems well on his way to hitting over 100 again.
Arenado is one of the most exciting players for the Cardinals, and it's fun to see what he's accomplished for the team.
2. Paul Goldschmidt in 2022
Paul Goldschmidt came close to hitting 100 RBIs on several occasions but finally hit the mark in 2022 when he knocked in 115 RBI.
The 2022 season was, without a doubt, an MVP season for Goldschmidt. In addition to the 115 RBI, Goldy had 35 home runs, 41 doubles, and 106 runs scored. In addition to being the league's MVP in 2022, he was an NL All-Star and a Silver Slugger. While he didn't make the honor in 2022, he has been a Gold Glove first baseman for the Cardinals.
While he has slowed down a little in 2023, he still can be an offensive leader on the Cardinals. The 2023 season has been rough for the entire squad. Hopefully, Goldschmidt resets after a tough season and returns for an outstanding 2023.
1. Albert Pujols in 2001 - 2010
Albert Pujols was among the St. Louis Cardinals' best-hitting players in their storied history. In the first ten seasons of his career, he hit over 100 RBI in each season. When he returned to the team in 2022, he didn't hit the mark again, but the rehashing of his time as a Cardinal greatly benefited him and the organization.
In 2001, Pujols was named NL Rookie of the Year, was an All-Star, and a Silver Slugger. He also received the vote for NL MVP. He knocked 130 RBI that season for the Cardinals. In 2002, he hit 127 RBI; in 2003, 124; In 2004, 123; In 2005, 117; In 2006, 137; in 2007, 103; in 2008, 116; in 2009, 135; and in 2010, 118. He did have 99 RBI in 2011.
Pujols was the NL MVP in 2005, 2008 and 2009. He received votes each year he didn't win the honor. He was an NL All-Star, Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove-winning first baseman.
It was fantastic to see him return to the Cardinals in 2022. It would have only been better if he had knocked over 100 RBI for a season again in addition to his eclipsing 700 home runs for his career.