ST. LOUIS — Cardinals shortstop JJ Wetherholt, who kept the main thing as his focus this winter as he prepares for Spring Training that could eventually elevate him to the big leagues.
Wetherholt, MLB’s No. 5 overall prospect, noted on Day 2 of the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up festivities that he had to remind himself to focus his attention on the things that helped him reach the big league door instead of focusing on any shortcomings in his game. For example, Wetherholt was often told early in his professional career about his flaws — specifically, his lack of pull-side homers — in addition to his unique gift of being able to drive the ball to all fields on doubles and triples.
“‘Fighting’ would, wouldn’t be the right word,” Wetherholt said of wanting to stick with the smooth, easy swing that earned him the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. “When I was included in the organization, there was not much talk about the way I hit the ball in another way and there was a lot of talk about how I could hit the ball to the pull side.
“For me, that was a bit of a culture shock, and it was something I had to adjust to, because there is room for me to grow. … You’ll hear players from the big team say you need to focus on what you know how to do well. … I had to understand, ‘Yes, there is room to grow, but that doesn’t mean that should be my full focus.’ It’s a dangerous game to focus on what doesn’t make you beautiful. So, maybe ‘fight’ is something the right word.”
The Cardinals, who named Wetherholt their 2025 Minor League Player of the Year, like the war they saw in the 23-year-old infielder, who can play second base, third base and shortstop. In 109 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, Wetherholt slashed .306/.421/.510/.931 with 28 doubles, 17 homers and 59 RBIs. He mixed his impressive pop (four leadoff homers) with his speed (23 stolen bases in 26 attempts) to show why he is one of the most promising cards in years.
“Everybody knows about him on the offensive side. That’s going to be a blast for us, and I think it’s going to wake up this club,” said Masyn Winn, who worked this winter at the same facility in Jupiter, Fla. “I’m excited to play with him whether he’s third or second. And I’m excited to see him swing [the bat] personally because what I’ve heard from my guys down in Triple-A is that this guy is crazy.”
Wetherholt’s potential is so great that the Cardinals have held extensive discussions about trading Brendan Donovan, the team’s lone All-Star in 2025. New president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom has been adamant that Wetherholt will be given every shot in Spring Training to make the Opening Day roster.
Meanwhile, manager Oliver Marmol, who was impressed by Wetherholt’s comfort under pressure in his 2025 Spring Training debut, is determined to test the versatile player in other ways.
“His mentality in my opinion will allow him to do well [at second base, third or shortstop]because it’s a special concept and one that I continue to be fascinated by,” said Marmol. It’s different, very special, and I look forward to seeing it every day. Some of them we saw in the spring [of 2025]. The way he carried himself, being around the big league guys and the big league staff for the first time showed what it’s all about.”
What Wetherholt says now is to focus on his ability to show the Cardinals that he is ready to thrive in the big leagues. After a winter spent working with several well-known MLB veterans, Wetherholt is eager to prove that his hitting ability — especially hitting to all fields — will translate to the game’s highest level. Although he used to shake up veterans Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray in camp in 2025, Wetherholt is approaching this Spring Training as a way to launch his career.
“It’s completely different now; last year it was about experience, and this year it’s about making a team,” Wetherholt said. “Simply, [making the team] that’s what I’m trying to do, and everything will look different. This year, I’m trying to build a team and continue the relationships I’ve built.”
