2026 Cardinals -- Resetting the reset

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Record: 56-49, 2nd, 9.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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Record: 56-50, 2nd, 10.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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MLB news: July 28 -- Week 17 - Awards and standings

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Record: 56-51, 2nd, 10.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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Record: 57-51, 2nd, 9.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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The St. Louis Cardinals were looking to make a splash before the trade deadline and they may have done it dealing C/!B Willson Contreras and closer Ryan Helsley, along with minor-league pitcher Henry Gomez, to the Athletics in exchange for corner outfielder Lawrence Butler.
A sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft, the 25-year-old Butler broke into the majors in 2023 and earned a full-time starting job in 2024.
That season, he hit .262 with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs in 125 games/105 starts.
In 2025, Butler earned a spot on the American League All-Star team and for the year has hit .274 with 21 home runs and 61 RBIs in 89 games.
The National League's top reliever in 2024, Helsley had a good first month of the season but has struggled since.
For the season Helsley, who will be a free agent at season's end, is 2-5 with 20 saves and a 5.72 ERA in 32 games.
Signed by the Cardinals following the retirement of Yadier Molina after the 2023 season, Contreras has struggled behind the plate and was expected to split his time between first base/catcher and designated hitter this season.
It has not worked well.
In 88 games/85 starts, Contreras has hit .232 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs.
This while, being expected to be paid $18M through the 2028 season.
Signed as an international free agent in 2018, the right-handed throwing Gomez is nothing more than a throw in to his deal.
The 23-year-old has spent this season at AA Springfield where he has pitched in 28 games going 304 with 15 saves and a 3.09 ERA.

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Record: 58-51, 2nd, 8.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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Record: 59-51, 2nd, 7.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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MLB news: August 1 -- Players and Pitchers of the Month for July

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MLB news: August 1 -- Rookies of the Month for July and standings

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MLB news: August 1 -- American League leaders

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MLB news: August 1 -- National League leaders

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Cards news: August 1 -- Team statistics for July

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Cards news: August 1 -- 2025 team statistics

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Player of the Month: Nolan Gorman -- The 25-year-old third baseman hit .264 with five home runs, 11 RBIs and nine runs scored in 24 games. He got on base at a .350 clip and slugged .494.
Starting Pitcher of the Month: Quinn Mathews: The 24-year-old left-hander, who was named NL Rookie of the Month, didn't pitch until after the All-Star break but in three starts went 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA. He pitched 19.2 innings, during which he struck out 18 and had a 0.86 WHIP.
Relief Pitcher of the Month: Ryan Walker -- The 29-year-old right-hander got into 10 games. He didn't post a decision or saves over his 10.1 innings but had a 1.74 ERA. He struck out 10 and had a 0.97 WHIP.

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Cards news: August 1 -- Player Development Report

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The St. Louis Cardinals have announced the signing of 34-year-old free agent catcher Elias Diaz to a minor-league contract.
Diaz spent last season in Colorado where in 84 games/63 starts he hit .270 with five home runs and 36 RBIs.
The signing of Diaz became necessary following the trade of Willson Contreras to the Oakland Athletics.
Ivan Herrera has won the Cardinals' starting job and the team has called up 21-year-old Leonardo Bernal to be his backup.
The team would like Bernal to play at AAA Memphis as Herrera is expected to get the bulk of the starts at catcher over the season's final two months.

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Record: 60-51, 2nd, 6.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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Record: 61-51, 2nd, 5.5 GB Chicago Cubs

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MLB news: August 4 -- Week 18 - Awards and standings