If you’ve spent any time driving along I-71 or across the bridge from Illinois into Missouri, you know the vibe. There is a specific kind of Midwestern tension that only exists when the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds share a field. Honestly, it's a bit hard to explain to people who didn't grow up with it. It isn't just a game; it's a 100-mile geographical grudge match that’s been simmering since 1869.
We’re sitting here in early 2026, and the landscape of this rivalry has shifted quite a bit. You’ve got the Cardinals, who are basically navigating a soul-searching rebuild, and the Reds, who are trying to prove their 2025 winning record wasn't just a flash in the pan.
The Current State of STL vs CIN
Last season was... interesting, to say the least. Cincinnati finished 2025 with an 83-79 record, finally nudging themselves into the conversation for the NL Central. Meanwhile, the Cardinals had one of those years that fans usually try to scrub from their memory. They were sellers. They traded away Sonny Gray. They moved Willson Contreras. It was a "tear it down to the studs" moment for a franchise that usually prides itself on consistency.
But here is the thing about STL vs CIN.
Even when one team is rebuilding and the other is surging, the games are almost always weirdly close. In 2025, the Cardinals actually held a slight 20-19 edge in the head-to-head matchup over the last few seasons despite their overall struggles. You’ll see a 6-0 blowout one night followed by a 11-6 chaotic slugfest the next.
Why the 2026 Schedule Matters
If you’re looking to catch a game this year, circle May 22–24 on your calendar. The Cardinals head to Great American Ball Park for a three-game set that’ll probably set the tone for the summer. There is also a series at Busch Stadium starting June 5.
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Tickets are already floating around the $30 range for the nosebleeds in Cincinnati, which is a steal for a rivalry this old. Honestly, if you haven't sat in the bleachers at Busch on a 90-degree July afternoon while watching a pitcher like Hunter Greene try to blow 100 mph fastballs past a young Cardinals lineup, you haven't lived the full NL Central experience.
The Players Carrying the Torch
It’s weird not seeing the old guard as much anymore. Adam Wainwright is long gone. Joey Votto—though he’s still a legend—is in the twilight or out. So, who are we actually watching in 2026?
For Cincinnati, it is all about Elly De La Cruz. He is the human highlight reel. He's the guy who can steal second, third, and home before the pitcher even finishes his follow-through. Watching him go up against the Cardinals' Masyn Winn is basically a glimpse into the next decade of shortstop play in the National League.
On the St. Louis side, things are a bit more "work in progress."
- Jordan Walker: Fans are still waiting for that massive breakout. His 2025 was rough, with an OPS that dipped into the .500s. People are worried his bat speed is great but his contact isn't.
- Matthew Liberatore: He’s been forced into a "staff ace" role by default. He improved his control in 2025, but that 94 mph fastball still gets hit harder than Cardinals fans would like.
- Lars Nootbaar: He’s the heart of the team, but he’s coming off double heel surgery. If he isn't healthy by the time they face Cincy in May, the St. Louis outfield looks pretty thin.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
A lot of national media focuses on Cardinals vs. Cubs. Sure, that's the "Route 66" rivalry, and it’s big. But the Reds vs. Cardinals tension is more personal. It’s "small market vs. slightly larger small market." It’s the "Big Red Machine" history vs. the "11 World Series Titles" bragging rights.
The Reds were the first professional team. The Cardinals are the most successful NL team. That creates a specific kind of friction that doesn't need a national broadcast to feel important.
What to Expect Next
If you’re betting on these games or just trying to win an argument at the bar, keep an eye on the pitching matchups. Cincinnati’s rotation, led by guys like Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott, has a much higher ceiling right now. St. Louis is playing a game of "see what sticks" with their young arms.
If the Cardinals don't fix their struggle against left-handed pitching—something that plagued them all of last year—Andrew Abbott is going to have a field day against them again in 2026.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Pitching Probables: Don't buy tickets until you know if Greene is starting; he’s worth the price of admission alone.
- Watch the Trade Wire: The Cardinals might still move veterans like Nolan Arenado before the season gets too deep, which would completely change the dynamic of these May matchups.
- GABP is a Launchpad: If the wind is blowing out in Cincinnati, take the "over" on total runs. That park eats pitchers alive.
The 2026 season is going to be a litmus test. Can the Reds finally take over the division, or will the "Cardinals Way" find a way to spoil the party? Either way, when these two teams meet, expect a few hit batsmen, a lot of chirping from the dugouts, and at least one game that goes way too late into the night.