The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a strong start this season. They are 23-17 and sit just 3 1/2 games back of the first place Chicago Cubs in the National League Central.

The season is progressing, but there's still a lot of time left for the Cardinals to find their true identity, whether good or bad. There is a lot to like about what we have seen from them so far.

Some things have gone according to plan, while there have also been some surprises . Here is what we got right and what we got wrong about the 2026 Cardinals.

JJ Wetherholt is the real deal

Apr 30, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) gestures as he circles the bases on a leadoff solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park.…