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Wetherholt Blazing a Path to St. Louis

Originally posted on The Forkball | By JM Kerska | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 5:02 PM ET

The rise of JJ Wetherholt in the MLB prospect rankings is impressive yet not entirely unexpected. Once considered a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Wetherholt fell to the St. Louis Cardinals at seventh due to a hamstring injury that limited his final collegiate season at West Virginia. Since then, he has done nothing but hit, and his rapid ascension through the Cardinals’ farm system has solidified his status as one of the game’s premier prospects.

Wetherholt Shows Elite Skills at Young Age

Wetherholt’s journey from a high school standout to a top-tier MLB prospect is a testament to his exceptional talent. As a sophomore at West Virginia in 2023, he put up video-game numbers, leading the nation with an absurd .449 batting average. He showcased a rare combination of elite contact skills, plate discipline, and surprising power for his size, launching 16 home runs and swiping 35 bases. This performance put him on the radar as a potential top pick. Furthermore, some scouts compared his hitting profile to that of a young Joey Votto.

The hamstring injury he sustained in his junior year raised some questions, but the Cardinals were more than willing to take a chance on his bat. They were rewarded almost immediately. Wetherholt has been a force in the minor leagues, tearing through Double-A and earning a recent promotion to Triple-A. His performance across both levels has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s slashing .310/.429/.524 with 11 home runs and 48 walks to just 45 strikeouts in 70 games. Furthermore, the young slugger has demonstrated a mature approach and ability to control the strike zone. A trait that often leads to big-league success.

Eye-Opening Minor League Performance

His recent performance at Triple-A Memphis has been particularly eye-opening. In his first 29 at-bats at the highest minor league level, he’s hitting .379/.455/.966 with a 1.421 OPS. Additionally, the power has truly started to emerge. He smashed two home runs in a single night and continued a barrage of extra-base hits. This power surge has been a crucial development for his prospect profile. His hit tool was always considered his calling card, the added pop makes him a more complete offensive threat. Also, it raises his ceiling significantly.

Wetherholt’s success is not just about raw numbers. It’s about his process. Scouting reports highlight his fantastic feel for the barrel and his ability to manipulate the bat head to get on plane with any pitch. He doesn’t expand the zone and hunt for pitches he can’t drive. The disciplined approach has resulted in a high walk rate and a low strikeout rate. This elite plate discipline, combined with his high-level contact skills, makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. He also sprays the ball to all fields with authority and is a plus runner. He has stolen 14 bases with only two caught-stealing attempts this year. This all-around game makes him a legitimate threat to hit for a high average, a high on-base percentage, and still provide 20 homerun and 20 stolen base potential.

Defensive Position Is Secondary Concern

Defensively, the young infielder has shown versatility, playing both shortstop and second base. While there have been questions about his ability to stick at shortstop in the long term, especially with a prospect like Masyn Winn also in the Cardinals’ system, his defensive ability is solid. His quick hands and good range make him a viable option at either position. However, his offensive prowess is so great that his final defensive home is almost a secondary concern.

Wetherholt’s meteoric rise has fans and analysts alike buzzing with excitement. The fact that he’s already at Triple-A and dominating at such a young age puts him on the doorstep of the major leagues. While a 2025 debut isn’t guaranteed, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility. His talent is undeniable, and he is showing all the signs of being a future cornerstone for the Cardinals. The young slugger has not just validated his pre-draft hype, he has exceeded it, and his future is shining brighter than ever.

This article first appeared on The Forkball and was syndicated with permission.

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