4 Cardinals Players Playing for New Contracts This Season

The St. Louis Cardinals may not have a lot of veterans on the roster right now, but that doesn't mean that there aren't guys playing for new deals with the organization.

Typically, when you think of the idea of a guy playing for a new contract, the idea of a one-year, prove-it deal comes up. The Cardinals do have a few players who fit that description. But that's not all, though. There are young guys with the organization who could very well be playing their way into long-term extensions with the franchise. One guy to get out of the way right away is young infielder JJ Wetherholt. Jon Heyman reported on Tuesday that the Cardinals are interested in working out an extension with the 23-year-old.

So, when we're thinking about who is playing for a new contract, Wetherholt is an easy one. But with that being said, let's take a look at four others playing for new contracts right now in St. Louis.

Dustin May — Starting Pitcher

Mar 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (3) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

This one is the most obvious for St. Louis. May signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Cardinals ahead of the 2026 season. There's a mutual option, but those are almost always declined by one party. May is just 28 years old and if he can prove over the course of the 2026 season that he can stay healthy and look like his old self, someone will be willing to pay him a boatload of money in free agency next offseason. But, again, it all comes down to if he can stay healthy.

Ryne Stanek — Relief Pitcher

Mar 31, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryne Stanek (55) pitches against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Same concept as above with May. Stanek got a one-year deal from St. Louis worth $3.5 million. He's a 10-year veteran with a career 3.84 ERA. In three appearances so far this season, he has logged a 2.70 ERA in 3 1/3 innings of work with one save. If he can stay solid throughout the 2026 campaign, he'll be an intriguing trade deadline candidate and should be in line for another deal next offseason.

Masyn Winn — Shortstop

Mar 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) reacts after hitting a double against the Tampa Bay Rays sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Now, we're talking. Winn is just 24 years old and should be viewed in the same category as Wetherholt. He was the best defensive shortstop in the National League in 2025 but his offense took a hit due to his knee injury. If his bat fully comes back in 2026, it would be a no-brainer to extend him.

Alec Burleson — First Baseman

Mar 26, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) salutes the fans as he receives a curtain call after hitting a go ahead two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

What more can this guy do to prove that he's a core piece for the Cardinals? In 2025, he wasn't initially considered among the "runway" guys with Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman, but his play forced him into the conversation. He ended up hitting .290 with 18 homers and 69 RBIs en route to the first Silver Slugger Award of his career. Burleson has been red-hot to kick off the 2026 season and is hitting .353 with one homer and five RBIs. He's just 27 years old and should be in line for a new deal as well.