This Is the Start of a New Cardinals Era

The Cardinals just handed out the biggest pre-arbitration extension in franchise history, and Bernie Miklasz thinks it signals something much bigger than one contract. This is the move he believes finally pulls St. Louis out of its rut and starts a genuine new era of Cardinals baseball. Bernie breaks down the eight-year, $112.5 million JJ Wetherholt extension, why it matters beyond the dollars, and how it could reshape the way players around the league view St. Louis.  He connects the signing to the franchise's storied past, its recent decline, and Chaim Bloom's rebuild, making the case that the Cardinals just locked in a cornerstone and a leader for the next generation. 🍺 STL Sports Central is brought to you in part by Budweiser.  It's Budweiser's 150th Anniversary and they're celebrating with a Heritage Can Series that honors their legacy of being Made of America. Collect all four designs. For 150 years, This Bud’s For You.  Enjoy Responsibly. Copyright 2026 Anheuser-Busch. Budweiser Lager Beer, St. Louis, MO.  🔥 Buy two months, get one free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 💬 Drop a comment — Bernie reads as many as he can and appreciates your feedback! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices