The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a hot start this season. Contrary to their expectations, they are 23-15 and currently leading the National League wild card race. They even secured at least a series split over the San Diego Padres. Top prospect JJ Wetherholt has been every bit as good as advertised, having hit seven home runs already and posting a .764 OPS while also driving in 20 runs. He has become the team's leadoff hitter and has run with his opportunity. Will Leitch of MLB.com did an assessment of who could be next to receive a contract extension for the Cardinals, and first on the list was Wetherholt. The case for a Wetherholt extension May 8, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) celebrates scoring against San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin (54) during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.…