The St. Louis Cardinals have surprised many with their performance early in the 2026 MLB season. While it’s only the beginning, the team has a 5-5 record, which may seem modest, but it’s better than many expected. Analysts, including ESPN, projected the Cardinals to finish 70-92, a number that now appears too low. In comparison, St. Louis went 71-91 in 2023. The current roster is young, but it arguably isn’t weaker than the 2023 lineup. If the young players continue to improve, the Cardinals could reach or surpass the level of their 78-84 record in 2025.
One player who could significantly influence the team’s trajectory is infielder JJ Wetherholt. Wetherholt, just 26 years old, has already appeared in 10 major league games this season, hitting .278/.386/.361 with one home run, four RBIs, two stolen bases, six walks, and eight runs scored. His contributions aren’t limited to offense; he has also been one of the best defensive second basemen in the National League, as measured by outs above average. His ability to impact games on both sides of the ball makes him invaluable to the Cardinals’ plans.
Given Wetherholt’s rapid development, the Cardinals must act quickly to secure his long-term future. He entered the season as the No. 5 prospect in baseball, and he has lived up to expectations so far. Major league teams have increasingly pursued long-term contracts for young stars even before they accumulate substantial big-league experience. For example, Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates signed a pre-debut deal worth $140 million over nine years. Colt Emerson of the Seattle Mariners secured $95 million, and Cooper Pratt received $50 million from the Milwaukee Brewers. Last season, Roman Anthony earned $130 million across eight years with the Boston Red Sox shortly after debuting.
Wetherholt, at 23, is likely more comparable in value to Anthony than Griffin, who signed at 19. If the Cardinals wait, Wetherholt’s performance this season suggests his market value will only rise. Reports indicate that St. Louis is already exploring a long-term deal, but the urgency is clear: the longer they wait, the higher the potential price. A proposal in the ballpark of $120 million over eight years would be a strong starting point, aligning with recent market trends for emerging stars.
Locking in Wetherholt is about more than just securing talent—it’s about demonstrating commitment to the team’s future. The Cardinals’ young roster shows promise, but continuity and stability are key to building a competitive team. Extending Wetherholt not only ensures the team retains a core contributor but also sends a message to other young players that St. Louis is invested in their development and success.
Beyond the numbers, Wetherholt has shown maturity and professionalism in his early major league experience. His approach at the plate, base running instincts, and defensive positioning reflect a player ready to contribute immediately. Young players of his caliber can define a team’s fortunes, especially in the National League Central, where the Cardinals face stiff competition from the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds. A star like Wetherholt can be the difference between a middle-of-the-pack season and a playoff contender.
Comparing Wetherholt to other rising stars highlights the importance of acting now. Griffin, Anthony, and Emerson all received sizable contracts early, reflecting their projected impact. Wetherholt’s production, versatility, and age put him in a similar category. While Griffin’s pre-debut contract made headlines, Anthony’s more recent deal illustrates the ongoing trend of rewarding young players quickly. St. Louis has the opportunity to do the same and establish Wetherholt as a foundational piece of the franchise.
Timing is critical. The Cardinals cannot afford to wait until Wetherholt proves himself further and potentially triggers a bidding war. By offering a substantial long-term contract now, the team could lock in a key contributor at a market-appropriate price while fostering loyalty. It’s also an opportunity to stabilize the roster and plan for sustained success. Young, talented, and versatile players like Wetherholt are rare, and teams that hesitate often regret it when market dynamics shift.
Wetherholt’s performance so far this season demonstrates he is capable of handling major league pressure. His offensive numbers are impressive, particularly given the small sample size, and his defensive metrics suggest he can save runs in ways that traditional stats might not capture. In addition, his ability to swipe bases adds another dimension to his game. The combination of speed, defense, and offensive potential makes him a multifaceted asset in an era when versatility is highly prized.
For the Cardinals, extending Wetherholt is both a strategic and financial decision. It’s about securing a high-potential player before his value escalates further, but it’s also about investing in a team identity built around homegrown talent. By taking decisive action, St. Louis can strengthen its core and signal that it prioritizes the development and retention of key players. Fans, too, will appreciate the move, as it demonstrates the organization’s commitment to winning and creating continuity in a young, promising roster.
The market for young stars has evolved significantly. Pre-MLB contracts and early extensions are becoming increasingly common, as teams recognize the benefits of securing top talent before major league service time inflates salaries. By acting decisively, the Cardinals could follow the examples set by Griffin, Anthony, and Emerson while positioning themselves competitively for the next decade. Wetherholt, with his skill set and early success, is the ideal candidate for such a forward-looking deal.
In conclusion, the St. Louis Cardinals are at a crossroads with JJ Wetherholt. His performance in his first 10 games has already proven that he is ready for the major leagues and that his long-term impact could be substantial. Acting quickly to secure him with a multi-year contract would reflect both a savvy understanding of market trends and a commitment to building a sustainable, competitive roster. Wetherholt’s combination of offense, defense, and versatility makes him a foundational piece for the Cardinals’ future, and the team would be wise to offer a deal in the $120 million, eight-year range before his value climbs even higher. The opportunity is now, and St. Louis must seize it to ensure that Wetherholt remains a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come.
