The St. Louis Cardinals have witnessed two significant breakout campaigns in 2026, with Jordan Walker taking another major step forward and rookie JJ Wetherholt quickly establishing himself at the major-league level.
Both players appear positioned to become cornerstones of the Cardinals for years to come. Walker has already made plenty of noise this season, earning an All-Star selection before putting on a memorable performance to capture the Home Run Derby crown.
Now, the spotlight is shifting toward Wetherholt and his opportunity to collect some hardware of his own. His biggest chance comes in the National League Rookie of the Year race. According to MLB.com’s Brian Murphy, Wetherholt is currently tied atop the latest poll with Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart, another rising star from the NL Central.
JJ Wetherholt tied with Sal Stewart in NL ROY poll
“1-T. JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals (144 total vote points, 19 first-place votes). 1-T. Sal Stewart, Reds (144 total vote points, 17 first-place votes),” Murphy shared.
The two NL Central rookies are locked in a tight battle for the end-of-season honor, while New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean sits in third place behind them.
Although Murphy’s latest poll has Wetherholt and Stewart deadlocked in total voting points, the Cardinals rookie holds a slight edge in one important category. Wetherholt received 19 first-place votes compared to Stewart’s 17, potentially giving him an advantage if the race remains this close.
A look at their numbers makes the competition even more intriguing. However, if there is one statistic that strengthens Wetherholt’s case over Stewart, it is bWAR. Wetherholt has accumulated 4.2 bWAR across 420 at-bats this season, significantly ahead of Stewart’s 1.7 bWAR through 424 at-bats.
Stewart has put together the stronger traditional offensive résumé, recording 108 hits, 23 doubles, 24 home runs and an MLB-leading 86 RBIs. He has also collected 12 stolen bases and 52 walks while striking out 106 times. Stewart owns a .255 batting average, an .814 OPS and a 121 OPS+.
Wetherholt, meanwhile, has registered 104 hits, 10 doubles, 16 home runs and 41 RBIs. He has added 12 stolen bases and 52 walks while striking out only 76 times. The Cardinals rookie is batting .248 with a .734 OPS and a 109 OPS+.
There is a noticeable gap between the two players from a pure offensive standpoint, but Wetherholt has still delivered respectable production at the plate while providing considerably more value defensively.
That defensive versatility is a major part of Wetherholt’s Rookie of the Year argument. As a middle infielder, his ability to contribute at a premium defensive position helps boost his overall value. Stewart, by comparison, has spent much of the season playing first base and serving as a designated hitter.
For now, the Cardinals and Reds rookies remain tied atop the latest National League Rookie of the Year poll, leaving the race wide open heading into the final stretch of the season.
Wetherholt will need a strong finish to maintain his position, especially with Stewart and McLean still firmly in contention. Regardless of who ultimately takes home the award, Wetherholt’s debut season has been an impressive one for St. Louis, and it could be only the beginning of a promising career for one of the Cardinals’ emerging young stars.