The St. Louis Cardinals aren't expected to contend in 2026. It's just the unfortunate reality, and the sooner we all accept that, the better off we'll be. 

But just because Chaim Bloom is re-making the organization doesn't mean that we can't still find joy in Cardinals baseball, and as we move into the calendar year of 2026, there is one obvious thing that will be fun to watch: JJ Wetherholt's development.

About Wetherholt

Currently ranked as the No. 5 prospect in baseball by MLB.com, Wetherholt is a versatile infielder. Now 23, he was drafted No. 7 overall by the Cardinals in 2024 out of West Virginia. He is projected to make his major league debut this upcoming season.

Playing 109 games between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, he hit .306 in 2025 with 17 home runs, 59 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. He was named the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year. 

He participated in the Futures Game at All-Star week. 

What are we watching for? 

Well, we're always attracted to offense, but watching how Wetherholt is used defensively will be noteworthy as well. Because the Cardinals already have Masyn Winn at shortstop, Wetherholt will have to shift if the team wants him to get to the big leagues quicker.

If the team trades Brendan Donovan, there will be an opening up at second base. Could Wetherholt work there? If the team moves on from Nolan Arenado, there will be an opening at third base. Could Wetherholt work there? Both are options worth exploring.

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What could the timeline be? 

Since the Cardinals aren't expected to compete, there's really no need to bring him up before he's ready. Furthermore, the Cardinals don't want to bring him up so early that they lose an extra year of team control on him. But if they bring him up and he plays well, there are incentives and rewards for the Cardinals, so it's a delicate balancing act for Bloom and the front office.

Other things to look forward to

Again, just because the Cardinals are going to be projected to finish last in the National League Central, that doesn't mean there won't be good moments along the way.

Similar to Wetherholt, it will be fun to track the development of top pitching prospect Liam Doyle, and it will also be fun to watch Winn play defense. The reigning Gold Glove winner at shortstop, he is one of the top defenders in the sport, regardless of position. 

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