🔴 Why the Cardinals’ Top 3 Prospects Could Define the Future in St. Louis
The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a long offseason, but don’t let the struggles fool you — there’s real hope brewing in the farm system. The franchise’s future hinges on a few elite prospects who are on the cusp of making their mark in the majors. If they hit, St. Louis could be back in contention sooner than people think.
Here’s a look at the three names every Cardinals fan needs to know.
🌟 No. 1: JJ Wetherholt, INF
At just 23 years old, JJ Wetherholt has the makings of a future franchise cornerstone. The former first-round pick has been torching pitching across Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .309/.427/.511 with 16 homers, 58 RBIs, 23 stolen bases, and 28 doubles in 106 games.
If all goes as expected, Wetherholt could break camp with the big-league club in 2026. He’s got “homegrown All-Star” written all over him — the kind of player you build a lineup around.
🔥 No. 2: Liam Doyle, RHP
The Cardinals used the No. 5 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft on Doyle, and he wasted no time showing why. Already in Double-A after just two pro appearances, the left-hander has the raw stuff and projection to become a frontline ace.
With proper development, Doyle could be in St. Louis as soon as 2026, and by 2027, he might be anchoring the rotation. In a system desperate for an arm to dream on, Doyle is that guy.
🥎 No. 3: Leonardo Bernal, C
Catcher depth is one of the Cardinals’ organizational strengths, but Leonardo Bernal has separated himself from the pack. Currently at Double-A, Bernal has shown solid offensive tools paired with a strong defensive profile.
While he’s not as polished as Wetherholt or Doyle, his timeline to the majors isn’t far off — and he could be another long-term piece for a franchise that values strong catching.
🚨 Big Picture
The Cardinals’ rebuild hinges on these three names. If Wetherholt develops into an All-Star infielder and Doyle becomes the ace he’s projected to be, St. Louis’ path back to playoff relevance looks a lot clearer.
For fans frustrated by the present, the future might just be closer than it seems.
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