PECOTA is often referred to as the best projection system. Obviously, projections are just that – a projection/prediction. The season can play out way differently than what a bunch of math formulas put together. That said, they are generally close to what fans should expect from the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at the projected 2018 St. Louis Cardinals team.
First, the team is “supposed to” finish with a record of 84-78, second place in the NL Central. This is five games behind the Chicago Cubs and one game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers. This record is tied for the fifth best record in the league with the San Francisco Giants.