The Cardinals have already turned the first half of 2026 into a surprise, and now they may be getting one more twist before the All-Star Game in Philadelphia. JJ Wetherholt, the rookie who has become one of St. Louis’ biggest stories, was left off the original All-Star roster - but MLB may have just put him back in the conversation.
According to STL Sports Central’s Joe Roderick, there is a JJ Wetherholt display in Philadelphia at the All Star Village. Roderick posted, “JJ Wetherholt being showcased at the All Star Village here in Philadelphia #stlcards @STLSprtsCntrl pic.twitter.com/4EypCpG02X”
That kind of setup has Cardinals fans wondering whether MLB is simply highlighting one of the game’s hottest young players or quietly setting up a late addition to the roster. A week before the announcement, MLB’s prep work for the Midsummer Classic appeared to tease Jordan Walker’s inclusion, so the Wetherholt display has only added to the speculation.
The rookie’s case is easy to make. Wetherholt has been one of the biggest reasons St.
Louis is in postseason contention, and he’s done it while hitting leadoff, handling second base, and producing far more power than most expected. In his first big league season, the 23-year-old is hitting .259 with 13 homers and nine stolen bases.
He’s also the frontrunner for the National League Rookie of the Year award.
Still, the All-Star process didn’t break his way. Wetherholt was knocked out of the starting conversation when he didn’t advance to the second round of fan voting, and Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies ended up getting the nod. Cardinals fans hoped he might still land a reserve spot, but the middle-infield bench places went to the Giants’ Luis Arraez and the Marlins’ Otto Lopez.
St. Louis will still be well represented in the game.
The Cardinals have three players and Oli Marmol headed to the All-Star Game, while Jordan Walker is set to take part in the Home Run Derby. Walker, Marmol, Riley O’Brien, and Ivan Herrera are all scheduled to represent the club on Tuesday.
The week in Philadelphia has already started well for the organization, with Chaim Bloom and his group having a strong showing in the draft. If Wetherholt does get added late, it would give the Cardinals a fifth All-Star and put a bow on an already remarkable first half. If not, the club still gets to watch Walker’s rise and see its other All-Stars take center stage.
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