On March 26th, 2026, St. Louis Cardinals fans took a collective gasp in the third inning as rookie JJ Wetherholt got his first career home run in his big league debut, where he took the field as leadoff hitter (a spot he has retained in all but two of the 86 games so far this season). As the Cardinals barrel towards the All-Star break, it is important to remember that they were not expected to perform at all this season. This team was supposed to spend the 2026 season rebuilding the organization from the ground up. A rebuilding year, for the unfamiliar, is a time when, among other things, leadership is changing in the organization and players are expected to come and go, all in the hopes of putting together a winning team. That’s what Card fans expected, that’s what other teams planned for, and that’s certainly what sports and baseball media were ready to cover.

While St. Louis’ current record, 47-41, is not significantly different from this time in the last two years (in the ‘25 season we were 48-43, and 47-42 in ‘24), it does not feel like we’ve hit the ceiling – something that felt inescapable at this time in the previous two seasons. What’s the difference? Tenacity! Fans believe players are playing to the best of their ability, yet still have room for more growth. Losing more than two or three games straight no longer feels like the start of a spiral, but more like a missed grounder that can easily be shaken off.

The recent series against the Cubs gave Card fans reason to celebrate: a near record breaking shutout, overcoming the adversity of dense fog, and although we didn’t sweep Chicago, taking the series and a strong moral victory. Not so against the Milwaukee Brewers, unfortunately. The division rivals hold the top spot, and will do so for the foreseeable future. Pointless mistakes and St. Louis’ continual need for quality pitching made the five-game series difficult to stomach, the All-Star Break that much more attractive, and the trade deadline a little more anticipated than a few weeks ago.

After several years of fans, rightfully or not, questioning the abilities of manager Oli Marmol, and the decisions of President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak during the wind down of his tenure, we finally have more faith in the front office and dugout leadership! While the breath of fresh air that is Chaim Bloom has had a hand in this, we do have to – however reluctantly – admit that the team on the field is partially due to that same POB we were frustrated with for so long. I find myself compelled to believe that behind the scenes, someone in leadership is sitting, watching a game with a small smirk on their face. Perhaps, thinking to himself that he knew what everyone else didn’t, and we’re learning now, but this team was built to compete, not just survive.

About the Author

David is a late in life baseball fan whose love for the St. Louis Cardinals will never be deterred. The father of four lives with his wife, kids, and pets in Georgetown, Texas.

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