St. Louis Cardinals Split Cubs Series as Youth Movement Takes Center Stage
The St. Louis Cardinals entered the 2026 season projected to be sellers at the trade deadline. Instead, they're 31-26, sitting firmly in the National League playoff picture, and their young core is leading the charge.
After splitting a thrilling three-game series with the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals have silenced critics who predicted a rebuild would turn into a disaster. Jordan Walker is playing like an MVP candidate, rookie Jimmy Crooks just made his season debut, and the front office faces a fascinating dilemma ahead of the trade deadline: buy or sell?
For American baseball fans — and the growing global audience following every pitch — St. Louis has become the most compelling story in the National League Central.
Walker's Breakout: From Prospect to Superstar
The biggest reason for the Cardinals' surprise success is Jordan Walker. The 24-year-old outfielder has finally delivered on his immense potential, slashing .300/.367/.576 with a .944 OPS through 53 games.
Walker has already launched 15 home runs and driven in 42 RBIs, while adding seven stolen bases. He's one homer away from matching his career high of 16 set back in 2023, and his 3.1 wins above replacement lead the team. Simply put, Walker has transformed from a promising prospect into a legitimate MVP candidate.
JJ Wetherholt, the rookie second baseman, has also exceeded expectations. The 23-year-old is hitting .234 with a .351 on-base percentage, nine homers, and has played Gold Glove-calibre defence. Alongside Walker, they form the most exciting young infield duo in the National League.
Crooks Debuts, Velázquez Returns
The Cardinals made waves on Friday by promoting catching prospect Jimmy Crooks from Triple-A Memphis. Crooks launched 13 homers and drove in 29 runs in just 39 minor-league games this season, and he made his season debut in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Cubs, batting seventh.
In the same move, the club recalled outfielder Nelson Velázquez. His impact was immediate — on the first pitch he saw Friday night, he crushed a three-run homer to tie the game, helping secure a 6-5 victory that snapped a four-game losing streak.
Unfortunately, Saturday was a different story. Kyle Leahy delivered a solid start, but the bullpen collapsed in the sixth inning. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch keyed a late rally as Chicago salvaged the series split with a 6-1 win. Riley O'Brien, despite earning his 14th save on Friday, couldn't hold the line on Saturday.
Playoff Push or Trade Deadline Fire Sale?
St. Louis entered 2026 expecting to rebuild after trading away veterans like Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan and Sonny Gray. Yet they sit just 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central and currently hold a Wild Card spot.
That creates a dilemma for president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Trade rumours continue to swirl around three pitchers: closer Riley O'Brien (2.96 ERA, 14 saves), left-hander JoJo Romero (free agent after 2026) and Dustin May (also a pending free agent). The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked as a potential trade partner for Romero.
Injuries have also taken a toll. Richard Fitts is out for the season after elbow surgery, Masyn Winn recently avoided a serious knee injury, and Lars Nootbaar remains on the 60-day injured list with ongoing heel complications.
What Happens Next?
The Cardinals continue their homestand against the Miami Marlins before hitting the road for a critical 10-game stretch against division rivals.
- St. Louis will host Miami for three games starting Monday, with Michael McGreevy (2.98 ERA) scheduled to start the opener.
- The trade deadline is exactly two months away. If the Cardinals stay in contention, Bloom may pivot from seller to buyer for the first time in his tenure.
- Jimmy Crooks will get an extended look behind the plate. His power potential could be a major boost to an already dangerous lineup.
Final Thoughts
The Cardinals are no longer a rebuilding project — they're a legitimate playoff contender with one of the most exciting young cores in baseball. Jordan Walker is a superstar in the making, JJ Wetherholt looks like a future Gold Glover, and Jimmy Crooks represents the next wave of homegrown talent.
Whether Bloom decides to hold or sell at the deadline will define the next era of Cardinals baseball. For now, St. Louis fans have every reason to believe the future has already arrived.
This story is still developing.