Cardinals’ Top Prospect JJ Wetherholt Joins Redbirds Ahead of Key Series

Memphis, Tennessee, USA - In a move that’s raising both excitement and eyebrows, JJ Wetherholt, the St. Louis Cardinals’ top prospect, has been reassigned to Memphis from Double-A Springfield. The official switch took place just two days ago, on July 7, setting the stage for his appearance with the Redbirds this week, right before their six-game homestand against the Charlotte Knights. The first game kicks off on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at AutoZone Park. You can count on the fans being eager to see how this rising star performs.

But what makes Wetherholt a name to watch? For starters, he was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, a significant milestone for the Cardinals as it’s the highest draft positioning the team has had in a whopping 26 years. With friends and family back in Pittsburgh voicing some disappointment—mainly because he’s now a rival of the Pirates—Wetherholt’s journey from Mars, Pennsylvania, to the big leagues is gathering all the attention. He even snagged the NCAA Division I batting title in 2023 with an impressive .449 batting average.

A Strong Season

His performance in 2024 has been commendable as well. This past season, Wetherholt posted a .331 batting average, belting out eight home runs and earning 30 RBIs across just 36 games, despite dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that saw his stolen bases drop from 36 in 2023 to a mere six. Assistant General Manager Randy Flores has had nothing but praise for Wetherholt, highlighting his consistent hitting and competitive spirit against top-caliber competition.

Historically speaking, being selected seventh in the draft isn’t just a number; it carries weight. Past players who went in this spot include the likes of Clayton Kershaw and Frank Thomas. It’s clear that Wetherholt shares a bright future with the Cardinals, a team rich in baseball tradition and fervor for the game.

Cardinals‘ Draft Strategy

The Cardinals’ approach to player development and the draft has undergone some rejuvenation, with Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. emphasizing the importance of returning to a draft-and-develop strategy. The team secured a spot in the top-10 of the draft for the second straight year, marking a historical first for the franchise. With the next MLB Draft scheduled for July 13 in Atlanta, coinciding with All-Star week, eyes will be on the Cardinals as they look to solidify their future further.

Currently, with a robust draft strategy in play, potential prospects like Eli Willits are on the team’s radar. Willits, a 17-year-old shortstop from Oklahoma, has garnered interest due to his defensive prowess and speed. He may not be a pressing need for the Cardinals, who already have several middle infield options, but in baseball, it’s all about acquiring the best talent available, whether it fits an immediate need or not.

As the Redbirds prepare for their homestand, anticipation is mounting. All eyes will be on Wetherholt, a player who embodies the hopes and aspirations of Cardinals fans after so many years without a high pick in the draft. Will he deliver the kind of performance that solidifies his status as a top prospect? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.

For the latest updates on Wetherholt and the forthcoming draft, check out Daily Memphian, MLB.com, and The New York Times.