Part 5/8:

However, the thrill of that season’s success morphed into despair as the Cardinals fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in a shocking playoff upset. A game where the Cardinals led turned into a nightmarish finish as critical errors by both Goldschmidt and Arenado spurred a disastrous outcome for the team. This ignited a sense of foreboding about the duo's future together.

The Unraveling of a Dream Team

As the narrative unfolded, the Cardinals’ inability to replicate success led to a significant downturn in 2023, with a dismal finish placing them at the bottom of their division. The once formidable power duo began to show signs of aging and inconsistency—a stark contrast to their previously celebrated status.