Cardinals 24-18 Start Sparks 4 Major Overreactions

May 7, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) hits a double during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Cardinals 24-18 Start Sparks 4 Major Overreactions

Originally posted on St. Louis Cardinals on SI
By Patrick McAvoy | Last updated May 14, 2026 8:37 AM ET

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There's a lot to like about the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals.

The roster is young and exciting, and if the front office plays its cards right, this could very well just be the beginning. St. Louis entered the season with the expectations being that the 2026 season would be about development as president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom tries to turn this team around.

By trading away Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, the Cardinals have already significantly improved their farm system. St. Louis entered the season with the No. 2 overall farm system in baseball, according to Baseball America.

What should excite fans is that while the Cardinals have been very good so far this season with their young roster, they are just scratching the surface. None of the Cardinals' top-10 prospects are in the majors right now and the only one who has experience in the big leagues already is No. 7 prospect Jimmy Crooks. There is a lot of talent on the way.

With that being said, let's dive into four overreactions from the season so far through 42 games.

Jordan Walker Is An MVP Candidate

Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Jordan Walker has been the brightest spot for the Cardinals in a season that has been fun and exciting overall. The 23-year-old has blossomed and is slashing .290/.369/.555 with 11 homers and 30 RBIs. Right now he's tied for sixth in the league in wins above replacement at 2.5 with Aaron Judge and Matt Olson. While this is the case, unless the Cardinals are near the very top of the standings and in the playoffs, it's hard to believe that he'd be in the mix for the MVP award this season. Shohei Ohtani hasn't been great offensively, but has been the best pitcher in baseball this year. That award already seems like a wrap.

St. Louis Should Take A Swing At The Trade Deadline

Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Cardinals have been a lot of fun this season and it would be awesome if they could keep it going all season. But, again, this season was planned around the idea of development. It's hard to believe there will be any blockbuster trade happening with the team this season in which prospects are sent away. It would be backwards.

Matt Svanson Lost It

Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Last season, Svanson was electric with a 1.94 ERA in 39 total appearances. This season, he has a 9.15 ERA in 19 outings. But the silver lining is the fact that he has a 4.50 ERA over his last 12 outings. That's obviously not as good as last year, but not as bad as his season ERA looks.

Cardinals Will Win The NL Central In 2027

Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The Cardinals are young and hungry and should just get better. This may not even be a hot take. The Cardinals are right on the doorstep. Another offseason of roster tinkering and this could should be even better next year.

This article first appeared on St. Louis Cardinals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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