JJ Wetherholt Makes History: First Cardinals Prospect in 16 Years to Triple-A!

Springfield, USA - In a remarkable leap within the St. Louis Cardinals organization, infielder JJ Wetherholt has been promoted to Triple-A Memphis, marking a significant milestone as the first position player to make this jump within a year of being drafted since Brett Wallace in 2009. Notably, the last pitcher to achieve this feat was Michael Wacha in 2013. Wetherholt, who was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, dazzled during his time at Double-A Springfield, where he batted .300 with an impressive .891 on-base plus slugging percentage over 62 games. His stats include 22 extra-base hits, 34 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases, alongside leading the Texas League in both on-base percentage and OPS. SI.com reports that his final game at Springfield was nothing short of spectacular, as he went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBIs in a decisive 7-3 victory against Northwest Arkansas.

The 22-year-old Wetherholt, who made his debut last season at Single-A Palm Beach, certainly has a knack for getting his bat on the ball. With a .295 batting average over 29 games and impressive exit velocity stats, his performance has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Not to mention, he was chosen to represent the National League in the Futures Game, further showcasing his rising star status within the league.

From College Star to Professional Heights

Before he dazzled in the minors, Wetherholt was the NCAA batting champion with an astounding .449 average during his sophomore year at West Virginia. His ability to translate that collegiate success into professional performance speaks volumes about his potential. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch shares that he’s already helped lead Low-A Palm Beach to a Florida State League title, pairing strong performances at shortstop and second base to help Springfield clinch a Texas League Playoff spot with an impressive 43-26 record in the first half of the season.

Wetherholt’s rise is a testament to the Cardinals‘ commitment to developing homegrown talent, a philosophy that has been an organizational hallmark. He is highly regarded within the organization, ranking as the number one prospect in the Cardinals’ system and number 19 overall according to MLB Pipeline. This positions him alongside last year’s top prospect, Jordan Walker, who is already making waves at the major league level. Will Wetherholt follow suit?

Looking Ahead

As the Cardinals gear up for a six-game home series against Charlotte, the excitement around Wetherholt’s promotion is palpable. Fans are eager to see how he performs at the Triple-A level, especially given that the organization is looking to bounce back after a lackluster 2023 season. As noted by Prospects1500, the organization recognizes the importance of nurturing talent through its tiers of prospect rankings. Wetherholt exemplifies the high expectations tied to Tier 1 prospects, with All-Star potential shining on the horizon.

In summary, JJ Wetherholt’s swift rise through the ranks showcases not just his individual talent but also the Cardinals‘ strength in scouting and developing players. As he transitions to Memphis, all eyes will be on him, hoping for even more fireworks to come in his professional career.