The St. Louis Cardinals are beginning to encounter their first significant stretch of difficulty this season, marking a noticeable shift from the relative consistency they displayed earlier in the year. For much of the campaign, the club had managed to stay competitive and keep its footing in the standings, but recent results suggest that the grind of a long Major League Baseball season is starting to take its toll.
Over the past few days, St. Louis has stumbled in a key divisional matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals dropped the first two games of a three-game series, putting them in a precarious position as they head into the finale. Instead of building momentum, the team now finds itself trying to avoid a sweep—an outcome that could further dent confidence and widen the gap in the standings. These losses are not isolated incidents either; they are part of a broader trend that has seen the Cardinals fall in five of their last six contests. That kind of skid, even early in the season, can have ripple effects on both morale and positioning.
The timing of this downturn is particularly important because it comes against a direct division rival. The Brewers have been one of the stronger teams in the National League Central, and every head-to-head matchup carries added weight. Losing consecutive games in this series has allowed Milwaukee to strengthen its grip on first place while simultaneously pushing St. Louis further behind. As things currently stand, the Cardinals hold a 29-24 record, which keeps them above .500 but still leaves them trailing the Brewers by three and a half games in the division race. (Reuters)
From a broader perspective, the Cardinals’ recent struggles highlight how quickly fortunes can change over the course of a baseball season. Just a short while ago, the team appeared to be building a solid foundation, combining timely hitting with competitive pitching performances. However, the latest stretch has exposed some vulnerabilities. Close games have slipped away, offensive production has cooled at key moments, and defensive miscues have proven costly. In a sport where consistency is often the difference between contenders and pretenders, even a brief downturn can alter the narrative.
Despite these setbacks, it is important to remember that the Cardinals are still in a relatively strong position overall. With a record of 29-24, they remain firmly in the mix within their division and are far from being out of contention. In fact, reaching this point in the season above .500 is an encouraging sign, especially considering the ups and downs that are inevitable over a 162-game schedule. The challenge now lies in how the team responds to adversity. Good teams find ways to halt losing streaks quickly, regroup, and reestablish their identity before a slump spirals into something more damaging.
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Another key factor to consider is the stage of the season. The Cardinals have now completed 53 games, which represents roughly one-third of their full schedule. This milestone serves as a natural checkpoint—a moment when teams, analysts, and fans alike begin to take a closer look at performance trends and overall trajectory. At this juncture, early-season surprises start to feel more legitimate, while lingering issues become harder to dismiss as small-sample anomalies.
For St. Louis, this point in the season offers an opportunity for both reflection and projection. Evaluating what has gone right is just as important as identifying areas that need improvement. The team has shown flashes of strong play, particularly in stretches where the offense clicks and the pitching staff holds opponents in check. At the same time, the recent losing skid underscores the need for greater consistency across all facets of the game.
Looking ahead, this is also when bold predictions and expectations begin to take shape. With two-thirds of the season still remaining, there is ample time for the Cardinals to climb the standings, close the gap on the Brewers, and potentially contend for the division title. However, doing so will require adjustments, resilience, and a renewed sense of urgency. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this rough patch is merely a temporary setback or a sign of deeper issues that could linger throughout the season.
In many ways, this current stretch serves as an early test of the Cardinals’ character. Every team faces adversity at some point during the year, but the ones that ultimately succeed are those that can weather the storm and emerge stronger. For St. Louis, avoiding a sweep in the series finale would be a positive first step. More importantly, finding a way to regain momentum and return to winning baseball will be essential as they navigate the long road ahead.
Ultimately, while the Cardinals’ recent performance has raised some concerns, it also provides valuable insight into where the team stands at this stage of the season. With one-third of the schedule complete, the picture is becoming clearer—but it is far from final. The story of the 2026 Cardinals is still being written, and how they respond to this early adversity could play a defining role in how their season unfolds.
Cardinals Will Trade Lars Nootbaar
Let’s address this topic right away. During the offseason, there was plenty of speculation surrounding Lars Nootbaar and the possibility of a trade, but ultimately, the Cardinals chose not to deal him. Instead, the focus shifted to his health, as he underwent surgery on both of his heels and has been working his way back ever since. The recovery process has kept him out of the major league lineup to start the season, but he has steadily progressed and is now playing in the minor leagues as part of his rehab assignment. His return to the big-league roster appears to be just around the corner.
So far, the early results from that rehab stint have been extremely encouraging. Nootbaar has looked sharp at the plate and appears to be regaining his form quickly. Over a small sample of games, he has posted impressive numbers, hitting .316 with a .381 on-base percentage and a .684 slugging percentage, which adds up to a standout 1.065 OPS. He has also contributed power and run production, recording two home runs and four RBIs in just seven games. (SI) These numbers suggest that not only is he healthy enough to compete, but he may also be poised to make an immediate impact once he returns to the majors.
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From a roster-building standpoint, Nootbaar’s situation is particularly interesting. He is only under team control for one more season, which adds a layer of urgency for the Cardinals as they consider their long-term plans. Players in this position often become key trade candidates, especially if they are performing well and can offer value to other teams looking to strengthen their rosters. If Nootbaar can carry this level of production back to the major league level and prove that he is fully recovered, his value on the trade market could increase significantly.
That potential makes him an intriguing asset for St. Louis. Rather than holding onto him and risking a decline in value or losing him later, the team could explore trading him at a time when his stock is high. Timing is crucial in these situations, and the summer months—particularly around the trade deadline—would likely be the ideal window to make a move. At that point, interested teams would not only be acquiring a player in good form but would also benefit from having him for the remainder of the current season and all of the following year under team control.
In essence, Nootbaar’s recovery and performance over the coming weeks could play a major role in shaping the Cardinals’ strategy. If he returns and performs at a high level, he becomes more than just a contributor on the field—he transforms into a valuable trade piece who could help the organization address other needs. On the other hand, if the Cardinals choose to keep him, his bat and versatility could still provide a boost to their lineup.
Either way, his progress is something to watch closely. The combination of his strong rehab performance, limited years of control, and prior trade buzz creates a situation where his future with the Cardinals is far from certain. As the season unfolds, his performance could ultimately determine whether he remains in St. Louis or becomes a key piece in a midseason deal.
Cardinals Will Keep Riley O’Brien
At the moment, the Cardinals are in a strong position when it comes to the back end of their bullpen, thanks largely to the emergence of Riley O’Brien as one of the more effective closers in baseball. He has been highly dependable in high-pressure situations, consistently locking down games and giving the team confidence late. His performance in 2026 has backed that up, as he’s posted impressive numbers, including a low ERA and double-digit saves, while maintaining excellent control and limiting baserunners. (MLB.com)
That said, the value of having an elite closer often depends on where a team stands competitively. For a club that is firmly in contention, a shutdown reliever is essential for protecting leads and securing wins. However, if a team is not realistically in the playoff race, investing heavily in a top-tier closer becomes less of a necessity. In those situations, it can sometimes make more sense to explore trade opportunities, especially if that closer holds significant value on the market.
Even so, the Cardinals are not in a position where they need to rush into any decision regarding O’Brien. Unlike players nearing free agency, he remains under team control for several more seasons, reportedly through the 2030 campaign. That long-term control is a major advantage, as it provides stability and flexibility for the organization moving forward. Additionally, he is currently on a team-friendly contract, making him even more valuable—not just as a contributor on the field, but also as an asset from a financial standpoint.
Because of those factors, there will likely be interest from other teams if O’Brien continues to perform at a high level. Contending clubs are always on the lookout for reliable bullpen arms, particularly closers who can handle the ninth inning. As a result, it would not be surprising to hear his name come up in trade discussions at some point.
However, the Cardinals are under no real pressure to move him. Given his production, affordability, and years of control, he fits well into both short-term and long-term plans. The only scenario where a trade would truly make sense is if another organization presents an overwhelming offer—something that significantly benefits St. Louis in terms of talent or future assets.
In short, while O’Brien could generate trade buzz due to his performance and value, the Cardinals are in a position of strength. They can afford to be patient and selective, holding onto one of their most reliable bullpen pieces unless a truly compelling opportunity arises.
Jordan Walker And JJ Wetherholt Both Hit 30-Plus Homers
At this point in the season, both Jordan Walker and JJ Wetherholt have shown flashes of power, though Walker’s production has been more pronounced. Through roughly the same number of games—just over 50 appearances each—Walker has already launched 15 home runs, while Wetherholt has contributed nine. That difference highlights the gap in their current power output, even though both players are still early in their respective campaigns.
If you project their numbers over the course of a full 162-game season, Walker’s pace stands out as especially impressive. Maintaining his current rate would put him on track to finish with close to 47 home runs, which would place him among the elite power hitters in the league. His ability to consistently drive the ball and produce extra-base hits has been a major strength, and it reflects the kind of raw power scouts have long associated with his profile. In fact, recent data shows Walker already has around 15 home runs in just over 50 games, reinforcing just how productive he has been in this area so far. (Baseball Predict)
Wetherholt, on the other hand, projects to a more modest total when stretched over a full season. Based on his current nine home runs in the same number of games, he would be on pace for around 28 long balls across 162 contests. While that figure doesn’t match Walker’s projected output, it is still a respectable number, particularly for a player whose game is often viewed as more well-rounded rather than purely power-focused. His offensive profile tends to emphasize contact, plate discipline, and versatility, with power developing as an added bonus rather than the primary tool.
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It’s also worth noting that neither player is likely to actually reach the full 162-game mark this season. Both Walker and Wetherholt have already missed at least one game, which slightly alters their pacing and projections. Even so, extrapolating their current performance provides a useful snapshot of what each player could achieve if they continue producing at a similar rate over a longer stretch.
Looking ahead, Walker appears well on track to surpass the 30-home-run threshold, and possibly far exceed it if he maintains his current level of performance. His combination of strength and consistency makes that milestone seem highly attainable. Wetherholt, meanwhile, is a bit behind that pace, but his power potential should not be overlooked. With adjustments and continued development, he has the capability to close the gap and increase his home run totals as the season progresses.
In summary, while Walker currently holds the edge in power production and long-term projection, Wetherholt still possesses the tools to elevate his output. Both players remain important offensive contributors, and their trajectories will be worth watching as the season unfolds.
St. Louis Will Finish 2026 Season With 3 Starters With An ERA Below 4.20
The Cardinals’ starting rotation has performed better than many expected heading into the season, offering a surprising level of stability and effectiveness. Several pitchers have stepped up with solid numbers, helping to keep the team competitive on the mound. Michael McGreevy, in particular, has been a standout, posting an impressive ERA just under 3.00 across 11 starts. His consistency and ability to limit damage have made him one of the more reliable arms in the rotation so far, aligning with reports that he has been a steady presence for the staff. (Viva El Birdos)
Andre Pallante has also contributed with respectable results, carrying an ERA in the mid-3.00 range through his first 10 outings. While not quite as dominant as McGreevy, he has still provided quality innings and kept games within reach. Behind them, Matthew Liberatore and Kyle Leahy have hovered around the mid-4.00 ERA mark. Liberatore has been slightly higher, while Leahy has been closer to that threshold, but both have shown flashes of effectiveness despite some inconsistency. Current statistics support this general range, with Liberatore and Pallante both sitting around the low-to-mid 4.00 ERA area in early-season data. (Baseball Almanac)
What stands out most is the overall potential of this group. Even though a couple of pitchers are currently just above the 4.20 ERA benchmark, there is reason to believe improvement is on the horizon. As the season progresses and these starters continue to settle into their roles, adjustments in command, pitch selection, and overall rhythm could lead to better results.
By the end of the season, it’s reasonable to expect that at least three members of this rotation will manage to bring their ERAs below that 4.20 mark. Given the encouraging performances already seen from McGreevy and Pallante, along with the upside of Liberatore and Leahy, the Cardinals appear to have a rotation capable of outperforming early projections and providing a solid foundation moving forward.
Cardinals Will Finish Above .500
The St. Louis Cardinals currently sit five games over the .500 mark, putting them in a solid position despite going through a recent rough patch. Even though the team is dealing with a bit of inconsistency and has hit a slump in their recent stretch of games, there is still confidence that they will be able to stay above .500 as the season continues. Their overall performance has shown enough stability and resilience to suggest that this level of success is sustainable over the long run, even if short-term struggles arise along the way.
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Compared to last season, this year’s Cardinals squad represents a noticeable improvement. In the previous campaign, St. Louis finished with a record of 78-84, which placed them below .500 and outside of serious postseason contention. That team struggled with consistency throughout the year and was unable to put together enough sustained winning stretches to remain competitive in the standings. The results ultimately reflected a roster that had potential but lacked the overall execution needed to finish with a winning record.
This season, however, the tone and trajectory of the team feel different. The current roster has shown more balance, better overall depth, and a stronger ability to compete in close games. While no team is immune to slumps during a long 162-game season, the Cardinals have demonstrated enough quality play in both their pitching and hitting to suggest they are a more complete and capable group than they were a year ago.
Even during their recent downturn, they have managed to stay above .500, which is an important indicator of progress. Good teams often experience adversity at some point in the season, but what separates them from struggling clubs is their ability to maintain a winning record despite those challenges. So far, St. Louis has managed to do just that.
Looking at the bigger picture, the improvement over last year is clear. A team that finished under .500 previously is now holding a winning record even during a slump, which points to overall growth in performance and execution. The combination of better pitching consistency, more reliable offense, and improved team chemistry has contributed to this upward shift.
If the Cardinals can continue to stabilize and avoid prolonged losing streaks, there is a strong chance they will not only remain above .500 but also position themselves as a more competitive team in their division compared to last season.
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