Cardinals 2026: Trade Steal, Postseason Push, and Latest News
The St. Louis Cardinals are in the final stretch of the 2026 MLB regular season, and while their playoff hopes are slim, the team remains in the headlines. At 72-74, the Cardinals are 18 games back in the division but are still fighting for any remaining postseason opportunity. With seven games left, the urgency is real, but they will be without infielder Blaze Jordan, who was removed from the 40-man roster in August. Jordan cleared waivers and remains in the organization, but his absence is a notable loss for the stretch run.
Off the field, the Cardinals made a savvy move by acquiring Tai Peete from the Mariners, a trade that is being called a major steal. Peete, a former top prospect, adds depth and potential to the Cardinals’ system. Meanwhile, the Nationals are set to get a key pitcher back for their series opener against the Tigers, which could impact the Cardinals’ wild card chances. The Cardinals recently faced the Nationals, and betting experts like Stitches are backing Washington against St. Louis on Friday, highlighting the competitive nature of the NL East vs. NL Central matchups.
In sad news, former Mets GM Joe McDonald, who traded Tom Seaver and won six World Series with the Mets, Cardinals, and Red Sox, passed away at 97. His legacy includes a stint with the Cardinals, where he contributed to their success. As the season winds down, the Cardinals are also offering fans a chance to get up to $1k matched in FanCash for Cardinals vs. opponents, adding excitement for the fanbase.
With the offseason approaching, the Cardinals face critical decisions. The trade for Peete could be a building block, but the team must address roster gaps and re-sign key players. The final games will determine if they can sneak into the postseason, but regardless, the Cardinals remain a team to watch. For now, fans can enjoy the drama and hope for a late surge. © 2026 ABG-SI LLC – SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
Shimanta Das 
