Observations From Cardinals With 43 Games Left in 2026

Let's start with an obvious one. Wetherholt entered the season as one of the top overall prospects in baseball. He's lived up to the hype and then some. The 23-year-old has looked advanced from the plate. He has 16 homers and 45 RBIs in 113 games played. The biggest shocker is the fact that he has been one of the best defensive players in baseball. He's in the 100th percentile in outs above average with 21. He's a superstar and should have a Gold Glove Award and the Rookie of the Year Award coming his way.

Jordan Walker Is The Heart And Soul Of St. Louis

Walker has gone from bust to star fairly quickly. His production on the field has been great. He's batting .285 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs. That's awesome. But his comeback is what's most impressive. This is a guy who fans were calling on the club to send down to the minors in Spring Training. Instead, he put his head down and has turned his big league career around.

The Cardinals Shouldn't Trade Any Catcher Prospects Yet

Much has been said about all of the talent the Cardinals have behind the plate. The Cardinals entered the season with three elite prospects in Rainiel Rodríguez , Leo Bernal and Jimmy Crooks. Plus, of course, Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés. But no one should be traded just yet. That is because of the production of Crooks this season after being promoted.

Crooks has struggled offensively and is batting just .178. It is very difficult to find success in the majors. Just because someone is a highly-rated prospect doesn't mean that they will transition well to the majors. Until one of the catchers can make a case for themselves in the majors, keep them all.

Alec Burleson Should Be Extended

What more could the Cardinals want from this guy? He was crushing when he was bouncing around the field as a utility guy. Now, he's firmly the club's first baseman and he's still crushing. He's leading the league with 29 doubles to go along with 19 homers, 81 RBIs and a .284 batting average. He's one of the most underrated players in baseball.

The Future Is Bright

Even if the Cardinals don't make a run this season, don't fret. The Cardinals' time is coming. St. Louis has the second-youngest roster in baseball and one of the best overall farm systems in the league. St. Louis is built to start really competing as soon as the 2027 season.