The St. Louis Cardinals have taken a major developmental step by promoting their top prospect, JJ Wetherholt, to Triple-A Memphis. This move places him in the record books, as he becomes the first Cardinals position player since 2009 — and the first overall prospect since 2013 — to reach Triple-A within a year of being drafted.
Wetherholt, a 22-year-old shortstop and second baseman, was selected in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He has had a standout season at Double-A Springfield, posting a .300 batting average, .425 on-base percentage, and .466 slugging percentage over 62 games. He also recorded 22 extra-base hits, 34 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases, while leading the Texas League in OBP and OPS.
His rapid rise echoes the trajectory of Michael Wacha, who made it to Triple-A within a year of being drafted in 2013. Wetherholt is also the first Cardinals position player to do so since Brett Wallace in 2009.
Currently ranked as the Cardinals’ No. 1 prospect and 19th overall in MLB’s Top 100, Wetherholt is also considered the 8th-best shortstop prospect in the league. While he may not make his major league debut this season due to Masyn Winn’s hold on the shortstop role, there is a possibility he could be called up in September or shifted to second base in the future.
Regardless of the timing, the Cardinals have a promising young talent in Wetherholt, and it seems only a matter of time before he reaches the majors.
About the Author
