Cardinals Enter Rebuild, Eye Top Prospects' Debuts

The St. Louis Cardinals began the 2025 season with an unexpectedly strong showing but have now entered a rebuilding phase following a trade deadline sell-off and dwindling playoff hopes. The team is shifting its focus to evaluating young prospects, especially top prospect JJ Wetherholt, who is excelling in Triple-A and is being considered for a late-season MLB debut at third base due to Nolan Arenado's injury. Trade speculation surrounds All-Star Brendan Donovan, with the possibility of a move this offseason if contract talks falter and to make room for Wetherholt. No. 2 prospect Quinn Matthews is also nearing major league readiness and may see MLB action before season's end. These changes signal a broader youth movement as the franchise looks to the future. Despite uncertainty, the rise of prospects like Wetherholt provides hope for a new core.