The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a pivotal stretch, and the roster crunch is very real. With a wave of young talent knocking on the Busch Stadium gates, the front office is facing some tough decisions - not just about who’s ready, but who’s running out of time.
Let’s break down four names at the center of this logjam, each at a different stage of development, and what their trajectory could mean for the Cardinals in 2026 and beyond.
1. Victor Scott II - Elite Glove, Elite Wheels… But the Bat’s Still Missing
Victor Scott II is electric in center field. Whether he’s tracking down a liner in the gap or swiping second base before the pitcher even finishes his delivery, the guy is a human highlight reel. His 94th percentile baserunning and 96th percentile fielding run value - per Baseball Savant - back up what the eyes already see: Scott is a game-changer with his legs and glove.
But here’s the issue - and it’s a big one: the bat hasn’t followed suit. In 2025, Scott ranked in just the 8th percentile in hitting run value. That’s not just below average - it’s bottom-tier among big leaguers.
The troubling part? There’s not much under the hood suggesting a breakout is on the horizon.
His swing decisions, contact quality, and approach haven’t shown the kind of underlying improvement that would give the Cardinals confidence he’s about to turn the corner. And in a crowded outfield, that’s a problem.
Scott’s defensive value is undeniable, but if the bat doesn’t take a leap - and fast - St. Louis may have to explore other options in center field. The Cardinals can’t afford to carry a glove-only player in a lineup that’s already looking for more offensive punch.
2. Jordan Walker - Time to Show Up or Move On
Jordan Walker was supposed to be the guy. A top prospect with a big bat and even bigger expectations, he was meant to be the one who broke the Cardinals’ recent dry spell in developing impact position players.
But right now, Walker looks like he’s stuck in neutral.
After a few years of inconsistent production and stalled development, Walker enters Spring Training with his future in St. Louis hanging in the balance.
If he comes in locked in - showing improved plate discipline and the kind of raw power that made him a top prospect - then sure, let him ride. The tools are still there.
But if he looks like the same player who’s struggled to adjust to big-league pitching, the Cardinals may need to make the hard call.
This isn’t about giving up on talent. It’s about timing and fit.
Walker’s window to prove he belongs in the Cardinals’ long-term plans is closing quickly. And with other young players pushing for time, St.
Louis can’t afford to wait much longer.
3. JJ Wetherholt - The Future Is Now
JJ Wetherholt hasn’t played a big-league inning yet, but you’d never know it from the buzz around Busch. The 2024 first-round pick out of West Virginia is already one of the most talked-about prospects in baseball - and for good reason.
At 23 years old, Wetherholt is the same age as Jordan Walker, but the hype around him feels different. He’s a consensus top-five prospect, and a recent MLB Pipeline poll of 40 front-office execs pegged him as the favorite to win the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year.
That’s not just noise - that’s real belief from people who know what they’re talking about.
With that kind of confidence from rival execs, the Cardinals have to be thinking long-term. A pre-debut contract extension, similar to what Milwaukee did with Jackson Chourio, isn’t out of the question.
Locking up Wetherholt early could give St. Louis cost control, roster stability, and peace of mind - not to mention the chance to build around a cornerstone talent.
And if Wetherholt is as good as advertised, it may also mean tough decisions ahead for players like Brendan Donovan. The front office has to be ready to clear a path, because Wetherholt is coming in hot - and he might not stop.
4. Nathan Church - The Tools Are There, But Is the Fit?
Nathan Church made his MLB debut in 2025, and while he showed flashes defensively, the bat didn’t follow. Sound familiar?
At 25, Church still has time to figure it out, but the Cardinals’ roster doesn’t have the luxury of patience. With similar profiles already in the fold - like Victor Scott II and Pedro Pages - there’s only so much room for glove-first players who haven’t found their swing.
Church’s speed and outfield instincts make him a valuable piece, just maybe not for this team at this moment. On a contending roster with a more established lineup, he could be a perfect fourth outfielder.
But in St. Louis, where every roster spot is being scrutinized, he’s on the outside looking in.
The Bottom Line: Decisions, Decisions
St. Louis is at a crossroads.
The 2026 season isn’t one where they can afford to “wait and see.” There’s too much young talent, too many roster questions, and too little time to let things play out.
Victor Scott II needs to hit. Jordan Walker needs to show he still belongs.
JJ Wetherholt looks like a future star who needs a runway to take off. And Nathan Church may need a new home to reach his potential.
This isn’t just about development anymore. It’s about direction.
The Cardinals have to decide who’s part of the future - and who’s not - before the season starts. Because the clock is ticking in The Lou.