In a surprising turn of events, St. Louis Cardinals outfield sensation Jordan Walker and standout Alec Burleson were notably absent from the nominations for the MLB Players Choice Awards. Both players had stellar seasons, significantly contributing to the team’s contention narrative during a rebuilding year.
Stellar Seasons Highlighted
Jordan Walker, who recently emerged as a star, found himself overlooked for the National League’s Outstanding Player award. This year, he not only became an All-Star but also made history by winning the Home Run Derby against Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, showcasing his impressive talent on a big stage. In 2026, his stats were nothing short of remarkable, featuring career highs with 158 games played, 97 runs scored, 164 hits, and 29 home runs, along with 102 RBIs and 22 stolen bases.
Burleson’s RBI King Title
Alec Burleson, who led the majors with 116 RBIs, also found himself snubbed despite an impressive campaign that saw him finish third in doubles with 37 and connect for a career-high 26 home runs. Burleson excelled in clutch situations, leading the league in hits with runners in scoring position and finishing second overall in RBIs in those critical moments, making him a frontrunner for a Silver Slugger award.
JJ Wetherholt Shines Bright
While Walker and Burleson didn’t receive accolades this time, the Cardinals’ second baseman JJ Wetherholt did grab a finalist spot for the National League’s Outstanding Rookie award, alongside Cincinnati's Sal Stewart and Colorado's TJ Rumfield. In his debut season, Wetherholt showcased his skillset with a balanced performance. In 139 games, he averaged .242 at the plate, recorded 51 RBIs, and showed speed with 14 stolen bases.
A Strong Rookie Campaign
Wetherholt’s performances were marked by good discipline, boasting a low chase rate of 21.2 percent and a commendable walk rate of 10.3 percent. His solid on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS+) of 102 illustrates his effectiveness as a leadoff hitter. Additionally, his defensive prowess was evident, achieving 25 Outs Above Average, the highest recorded by a rookie since the metric's introduction in 2016.
With a Fielding Run Value of 23 and excellent range metrics, Wetherholt is a strong candidate for the Gold Glove award, potentially following in the footsteps of Brendan Donovan, who won it in 2022 as a rookie. His defensive skills put him in the conversation among the best second basemen in the league.
While it’s disappointing for Walker and Burleson not to be recognized in the Players Choice Awards, both players have solidified their statuses as key components of the Cardinals’ future and have set the foundation for what could be exciting years ahead for the franchise.