Cardinals maintain surprising playoff contention in 2026 MLB season
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 1:09 PM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals are 31-27 and hold the third wild-card spot in the National League over one-third into the 2026 season. Manager Chaim Bloom, initially anticipated to lead a rebuild after trading notable veterans, has seen the team's performance buoyed by young players like Jordan Walker and rookie JJ Wetherholt. However, the Cardinals have a concerning run differential of minus-11, indicating potential regression. As the season progresses, questions arise whether they can sustain their success or return to a rebuilding trajectory.
- •Cardinals are currently in second place in the National League Central.
- •Team has a run differential of minus-11, with a 'deserved' record of 28-30.
- •Jordan Walker and JJ Wetherholt have emerged as key players this season.
- •Cardinals are 11-6 in one-run games and 7-2 in extra-inning games.
- •Teams often see regression when their run differential is significantly negative.
- 1:09 PMCBS MLB — Are the Cardinals real contenders? The case for and against believing in St. Louis' surprising success
"The Cardinals, under Chaim Bloom, were expected to be mired in a rebuild in 2026 (and beyond)
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