The St. Louis Cardinals have clearly embraced a rebuilding strategy this offseason, parting ways with key contributors such as Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras.
Those moves, however, have strengthened the organization’s farm system, which now ranks among the league’s most promising. At the forefront is top prospect JJ Wetherholt.
St. Louis likely wouldn’t have felt comfortable trading Donovan — an All-Star last season — without strong belief in Wetherholt’s upside. Younger and viewed as possessing significantly greater long-term potential, Wetherholt has the tools to develop into an MVP-caliber player if he meets expectations.
MLB.com’s Bill Ladson recently highlighted Wetherholt’s impressive showing in spring camp, noting that the young infielder is already turning heads ahead of Opening Day.
After Donovan was dealt to the Mariners, the path opened for Wetherholt to take over as St. Louis’ starting second baseman. Though it’s still early, he has demonstrated advanced plate discipline, drawing five walks in his first 13 plate appearances while adding a home run, four RBIs, and a stellar 1.365 OPS. Naturally a shortstop, Wetherholt has transitioned smoothly to second base and hopes to form a double-play tandem with Masyn Winn when the Cardinals open their season against the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. There’s also the possibility he could see time at third base if Nolan Gorman struggles at the position.
Wetherholt generated buzz late last year, with many fans lobbying for his promotion, but the Cardinals chose a patient approach. Now, he appears poised to make his major league debut as the team’s Opening Day second baseman.
This spring, he’s gone 3-for-8 with a homer, four RBIs, a stolen base, and five walks — numbers that have pushed his on-base percentage above .600. His disciplined approach and emerging power suggest star potential.
The Cardinals are expected to pencil him in as an everyday starter, and he looks prepared for the opportunity. Wetherholt is shaping up to be the franchise’s next cornerstone — and could soon emerge as its top player.
