Wait Until Next Year… Already?

Spring Training: Wait Until Next Year… Already?

Spring training is where hope always lives. Records don’t count, veterans work on timing, and prospects begin to get their first real look under the lights. But as pitchers and catchers report to camp, there is something different in the air this year — a quiet acknowledgment that expectations have shifted.

Most national writers are picking the St. Louis Cardinals to finish at or near the bottom of the division. That hasn’t been common territory for this franchise. For decades, “The Cardinal Way” meant consistency — competitive teams, strong fundamentals, and a steady pipeline from the minor leagues to Busch Stadium.

This spring doesn’t feel like a contender polishing the edges. It feels more like an organization recalibrating — searching for its footing and, perhaps, for its identity again.

It’s early. Very early. But there are signs worth watching.

Younger arms are stepping into opportunity. Roles are not yet fixed. There is competition in camp, and competition has a way of sharpening focus. After a season where fundamentals slipped too often, the emphasis appears to be on cleaner baseball — throwing strikes, tightening the defense, executing situational at-bats instead of waiting for the long ball.

There are still questions.

Can the rotation carry innings deep into games?
Will the bullpen settle into defined roles?
Can the lineup produce consistently against elite pitching?

Spring training rarely gives firm answers. But it does reveal posture. And so far, the posture suggests accountability.

Predictions may place the Cardinals at the bottom. History reminds us that writing off this franchise has often been premature. The standard here has always been higher — not only in wins, but in how the game is played.

No one is engraving another trophy just yet. But if this club recommits to fundamentals, development, and disciplined baseball, the conversation could shift faster than many expect.

It’s February. The games haven’t even begun.
Let’s see what kind of team shows up.

If Cardinals baseball still means something to you, join us at The Cardinal Chronicle as we follow the 2026 season together.

— ray mileur
The Cardinal Chronicle