The precocious Baby Birds have jumped out to a blazing fast start, but can they keep the winning fires burning all season long?
By Ryan K Boman | April 20, 2026 | @RYANKBOMAN on X
Heading into the 2026 season, it was supposed to be another dark Summer in St. Louis. The franchise, one of the most decorated in the history of the game, has been a bit melancholy for the past few years. This one was supposed to be no different. The consensus among MLB Insiders was that this year’s squad, largely comprised of young unproven players, would have a dumpster fire of a season.
But starting with the first pitch of the season, the team has played far beyond expectations. They are currently on a five-game winning streak after sweeping a weekend series against the Houston Astros. Starting this week, the Redbirds are 13-8, just one-half game behind NL Central-leading Cincinnati.
While we can’t be sure if some of that wintertime chatter lit a flame in this precocious young team, it could explain their blazing start. But more than anything, it’s a group that’s currently burning through the competition, and no one in Cardinal Nation is minding the heat, one bit.
The Redbirds are staying close in ballgames and fighting until the final out for the win. While that may sound simple, it’s not typical of such a youthful roster, which often wilts under the swelter of late-inning pressure.
Instead, the Cardinals’ kids seem to respond well when the spotlight is shining its brightest. They’re building confidence, fueled largely by a 5-0 record in one-run games and a 4-0 record in extra-inning games.
Jordan Walker has sparked the offensive attack, hitting over .320 with eight bombs and steady run production—while the lineup as a whole is showing more pop. Players like Nolan Gorman and rookie JJ Wetherholt have shown a penchant for pop, although the Cardinals mostly win with persistence over power.
Even when the on-base numbers haven’t fully stabilized yet, the difference is clear: this offense can flip a game quickly, something last year’s veteran-laden team rarely did. This year’s group
In 2025, the Redbirds were a sub-.500 club that finished 78–84, posting a .693 OPS that scored 689 runs for the season. That team was riddled with inconsistency and a lineup that struggled to drive in runners in scoring position. That version of the Cardinals often felt like it was waiting for something to happen.
But that hasn’t been the case for Oliver Marmol’s combustible Cardinals. They have found the right concoction to blow up any doubts that they are ready to win now. No matter how many barbs were once thrown their way.
While it’s still more likely that this team will come back down to Earth and play closer to the middle of the pack, this early run has been refreshing. It’s sent a message that the Cardinals are truly building something special right now in the Gateway City – a team that could be a perennial playoff contender for the next decade. And they’re getting a taste of winning now.
So, for any team that sees the St. Louis Cardinals on their upcoming schedule. Don’t take these 2026 St. Louis Cardinals lightly. Pay no mind to the critics and self-appointed guardians of the flame who say they can’t win yet. Don’t listen to the press or the pessimists who say they aren’t nearly as good as they’ve looked..
In other words? Don’t take this team lightly… You just might get burned.