Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt Ranked Among MLB's Top Rookies The St. Louis Cardinals are in the middle of a substantial rebuild, having traded four of their best players during the offseason and relying heavily on young talent to carry the team this season. Among the emerging stars, rookie shortstop JJ Wetherholt has emerged as the team’s most promising player, though he is not yet the most impactful contributor in the lineup. Still, his potential has positioned him as a key figure around whom the Cardinals could build a competitive roster. The high expectations for Wetherholt, however, have been tempered by his early performance, which has drawn both praise and cautious optimism from analysts. CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry recently ranked Wetherholt as the No. 10 best rookie in Major League Baseball for the 2026 season, a recognition that highlights his value despite the challenges of adapting to the major leagues. Perry’s assessment underscores Wetherholt’s advanced skills and the potential he brings to the Cardinals’ future. However, the ranking may also reflect the gap between his current performance and the lofty expectations set by his pre-draft reputation. Wetherholt, a former No. 7 overall pick from West Virginia, was promoted to the majors ahead of the 2026 season, securing the second-base job in the Cardinals’ infield. His transition to the big leagues has been marked by steady development, with Perry noting that the move proved to be a “sage promotion” so far. While Wetherholt has not yet shown the power that made him a top prospect, his plate discipline and defensive abilities have made him a valuable asset. Through 12 games, he is slashing .244/.364/.333 with a .697 OPS, a home run, three stolen bases, and eight walks. His on-base percentage (.#west_virginia #jj_wetherholt #oliver_marmol #cardinals #dayn_perry
What JJ Wetherholt's Breakout Debut Means For Fans And Collectors JJ Wetherholt, the Cardinals’ top prospect, has made a significant impact in both his professional baseball career and the collectibles market, marking a pivotal moment for fans and collectors alike. Drafted as the 7th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Wetherholt’s journey to the majors has been shaped by overcoming injuries during his draft year and demonstrating resilience in his first professional season. His performance has not only solidified his status as a rising star but also influenced the value of his trading cards, particularly in the Bowman 2025 product line. Wetherholt’s draft trajectory was initially uncertain. Before the 2024 draft, he was considered a potential first-round pick, but injuries during his senior season at the University of Florida led to a drop in his stock. Despite this, he fully recovered and showcased his talent in the minor leagues, earning a promotion to the Cardinals’ major league team. His strong start in the majors, including standout performances in early-season games, has drawn comparisons to other high-profile prospects like Konnor Griffin and Chase Burns, who were also selected in the same draft. The timing of Wetherholt’s debut coincided with the release of his Bowman 2025 trading card, which was positioned as one of the top chase cards in the product. Collectors and fans were eager to acquire his cards, and his promotion to the Cardinals’ roster further boosted demand. The Cardinals’ strong fan base and reputation as a premium team added to the appeal of his cards, creating a surge in sales. For instance, his Bowman Chrome base auto card, which was initially selling for around $220 in February, saw its price rise to $300 by the start of spring training.#eBay #jj_wetherholt #cardinals #bowman_2025 #cardladder
Top Cardinals Prospect JJ Wetherholt Makes Opening Day Roster JJ Wetherholt, the Cardinals’ seventh-round pick in the 2024 amateur draft, has secured a spot on the team’s opening day roster for the 2025 season. Cardinals director of baseball operations Chaim Bloom confirmed the decision during a Monday press conference, stating that Wetherholt will join the major league squad for the season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 23-year-old shortstop, who played for West Virginia in college, spent the spring training season with the St. Louis Cardinals. During that time, he posted a batting average of .212, with two home runs and seven RBIs. Bloom highlighted Wetherholt’s potential, emphasizing his readiness to contribute at the major league level. Wetherholt’s recent performance in 2025 further solidified his case for the roster. Across 138 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, he combined for a .306 batting average, 19 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases. His offensive production, particularly his power and speed, has drawn attention from scouts and coaches alike. Bloom also announced that the Cardinals will bring infielders Jose Fermin and Thomas Saggese, along with outfielder Nathan Church, to St. Louis for the season opener. The moves reflect the team’s strategy to bolster its roster with young talent ahead of the 2025 campaign. The Cardinals’ decision to include Wetherholt on the opening day roster signals confidence in his ability to adapt to the majors. While he will need to prove himself in the big leagues, his track record of success at the minor league level positions him as a key player for the team’s future. As the season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how Wetherholt performs in his debut.#west_virginia #jj_wetherholt #st_louis_cardinals #chaim_bloom #tampa_bay_rays
JJ Wetherholt To Make Cardinals’ Opening Day Roster Infield prospect JJ Wetherholt has secured a spot on the St. Louis Cardinals’ Opening Day roster, according to team president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, who shared the news with reporters. The 2024 draft seventh overall pick will join the club’s 40-man roster, with infielders Thomas Saggese and José Fermín, as well as outfielder Nathan Church, also breaking camp with the team. Outfielder Nelson Velázquez, however, will be assigned to Triple-A Memphis to make room for Wetherholt. The Cardinals’ decision to include Wetherholt was anticipated but significant given the team’s rebuilding phase. Over the winter, the club traded key players like Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan to clear roster space and create opportunities for younger talent. These moves were driven by both cost-cutting and the need to evaluate prospects in a major league environment. Wetherholt, a high-ceiling player, was a central figure in this strategy. Wetherholt’s 2025 season showcased his potential. Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, he recorded 496 plate appearances with a .306/.421/.510 batting line (154 wRC+) and 23 stolen bases. His 14.5% walk rate and 14.7% strikeout rate highlighted his plate discipline and power potential. Defensively, his shortstop skills were deemed sufficient for a big league role, though he also played second and third base. Despite his performance, Wetherholt faced competition for playing time. Masyn Winn, a top defensive shortstop under contract through 2028, occupied the shortstop position, while Nolan Gorman was expected to take over at third base. Wetherholt’s primary opportunity came at second base, where he hit .212/.386/.394 (115 wRC+) in spring training, including two home runs. His .#jj_wetherholt #st_louis_cardinals #chaim_bloom #nathan_church #tommy_john_surgery
