Observations From Cardinals With 43 Games Left in 2026

It's been a fun season overall for the St. Louis Cardinals, despite the fact that the second half of the campaign hasn't been as smooth as the first half.

St. Louis wrapped up the first half of the season with an impressive 50-45 record. Since then, things have taken a turn for the worse. The Cardinals are 9-15 since the All-Star break and currently have a 59-60 record overall. St. Louis currently is in third place in the National League Central and are 4 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot.

The playoffs may not be in the cards for St. Louis this season, but the Cardinals have shown a lot of progress and this young roster doesn't seem very far from contending in the National League Central.

With that being said, he are some observations from the season so far with 43 games left in the regular season.

JJ Wetherholt Is The Real Deal

Aug 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) throws to first as Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Luis Urías (48) slides into second base during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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

Jul 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) returns to the dugout during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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

Aug 3, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Jimmy Crooks (8) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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

Aug 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Colorado Rockies during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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

Mar 7, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Joshua Baez (22) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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.

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