The Cardinals went 79–83 during the season and finished fourth in the National League East, eleven games behind the NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

They were the first team in the Divisional play era to have a losing season one year after winning the World Series.

First baseman Keith Hernandez, shortstop Ozzie Smith, and outfielder Willie McGee won Gold Gloves this year, although Hernandez was traded to the New York Mets in mid-season.

Infielders Coaches Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.

= Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts