Assessing Cardinals No. 1 Prospect Call-Up Likelihood After Jac Caglianone News

At the moment, the Cardinals have both the shortstop, and second base positions locked down with Masyn Winn and Brendan Donovan. In addition to the two starting middle infielders, Nolan Gorman (second base) and Jose Barrero (utility) are both rostered by the big league squad. 

Triple-A Memphis also has four middle infielders on the roster, leaving little to no room for a promotion based off need any time soon - at least not for the remainder of the season, barring any roster moves. 

Still finding his footing at Double-A

In contrast to Caglianone's quick rise through the ranks due to high production at every stop he made, Wetherholt still seems to be acclimating to Double-A ball. 

The 22-year-old started hot with a .308 average in April, but opposing pitchers may have more of a scouting report on him as the season marches on, leading to a bit of a downturn in May in which he hit .256 with just seven extra base hits. 

On the defensive side, Wetherholt has committed five errors in 21 games at short with Springfield, but has made some flashy plays, proving that his potential isn't just on the offensive side of the ball. 

How long?

With these factors in mind, it may be awhile before Cardinals fans see Wetherholt with the big league club. 

Donovan - who can play anywhere on the field - is under team control until 2028 and Winn until 2030. With trades potentially on the horizon for Gorman and maybe even Thomas Saggese, the best-case scenario for Wetherholt is reaching the MLB as soon as next season, though it could be two or more years before a space opens for him on the Cardinals' roster.