The St. Louis Cardinals have enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign so far, sitting at 23–17 after successfully navigating a difficult 13-game stretch against some of the league’s toughest opponents, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres. Despite the demanding schedule, St. Louis managed to come out on top with a 9–4 record during that span, reinforcing their status as a competitive team in a crowded National League race.
Even with their solid performance, there is a growing sense that the roster still has room for improvement. Over the course of the season, attention has increasingly turned toward the organization’s farm system, where several promising prospects are pushing for a chance in the majors. Two of the most frequently mentioned names are outfielder Joshua Báez, the club’s No. 3 prospect, and catcher Jimmy Crooks, ranked No. 7 in the system.
Báez entered Spring Training as a potential candidate to help fill the left field position, which was unsettled at the time. However, recent strong performances from Nathan Church have reduced that urgency, at least temporarily. Crooks, on the other hand, continues to build his case in Triple-A, where he has impressed with 12 home runs and 27 RBIs in just 30 games, making him a legitimate future option for the big-league roster.
Despite the buzz surrounding those position players, the next call-up for St. Louis may actually come from a less expected source. Right-handed reliever Matt Pushard is emerging as the most realistic candidate to join the major league bullpen in the near term.
Pushard, who was selected by the Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft, initially appeared with the big-league club earlier in the season before landing on the injured list due to right knee patellar tendinitis. He has since been working his way back on a minor league rehab assignment, making 10 appearances at Triple-A since April 15 and posting a 3.86 ERA.
His situation carries added importance because of his Rule 5 Draft status. If the Cardinals do not activate him and keep him on the major league roster, they risk losing him altogether. That factor alone increases the likelihood that he could be the next player promoted once his rehab assignment concludes.
Beyond roster mechanics, there is also a clear on-field need. The Cardinals’ bullpen has been inconsistent this season, ranking 24th in MLB with a 4.65 ERA. Adding Pushard could provide a fresh arm and potentially stabilize a relief unit that has struggled to find consistency.
While Báez and Crooks continue to generate attention as high-upside prospects for the future, Pushard represents a more immediate and practical solution. Given the Cardinals’ current bullpen issues and his contractual situation, he may very well be the next name called up to help a team still pushing to stay competitive in a tight playoff race.
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