Prospective Cardinal on the Brink of Triple-A Ascension

Hottest Prospect JJ Wetherholt Eyes Triple-A

Undeniably, the St. Louis Cardinals' big league team's fortunes this season take a backseat to one burning question: when will top prospect JJ Wetherholt make it to Triple-A?

Sporting some of the hottest numbers in Minor League Baseball, Wetherholt has stormed his way through Double-A, leaving Triple-A Memphis in his sights. The West Virginia prodigy boasts a remarkable .319/.439/.475 batting line, smacking 11 doubles, 4 home runs, and driving in 23 runs. His impressive performance ranks him second in batting average, first in on-base percentage, 7th in slugging percentage, and third in OPS in the Texas League. Wetherholt's advanced plate discipline, evident in his 32 walks to just 27 strikeouts, is a testament to his serious major league potential.

Across the league, Jac Caglinone's recent call-up by the Royals and Christian Moore's promotion by the Angels, both drafted ahead and immediately following Wetherholt in last year's draft, have put some pressure on the Cardinals to promote him. Although the Cardinals have a history of rushing prospects, Wetherholt's readiness seems less aggressive by the day. His prodigious college hitting skills have shone even brighter this season with the Cardinals organization. Moving up to Triple-A Memphis would be a big step, but one that Wetherholt's performance appears to justify.

Three players selected in the top 10 of the 2024 draft have already made their MLB debuts, but Wetherholt's call-up wouldn't be a swift exit from the minors. His stint in Triple-A would offer a valuable opportunity to gauge his abilities against elite pitching. Regardless of whether the Cardinals are in contention when the All-Star break arrives, Wetherholt's arrival could bring a much-needed lifeline to the big league club.

Whether it's a winning or losing season for the Cardinals, JJ Wetherholt's rising star is sure to cast a brilliant light in the years to come.

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Prospect to Watch: JJ Wetherholt's Journey to Triple-A

JJ Wetherholt's steady ascent through the minor leagues has earned him a category as one of the most promising prospects in the game. Here's a closer look at Wetherholt's journey and what he could bring to the St. Louis Cardinals:

Background

Draft Selection: Wetherholt was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, using the 8th overall pick.
College Career: Wetherholt attended West Virginia University, where he was a standout performer for the Mountaineers, batting .345 with 19 home runs and 77 RBIs during his junior season.

Improving Performance

Double-A Increase: Following his impressive college career, Wetherholt entered the minor leagues with high expectations, and he's been living up to them. His performance in Double-A has been especially noteworthy, as he's increased his power and overall consistency at the plate.
Hitting Stats: By mid-June 2025, Wetherholt was hitting .319 with 11 doubles, 4 home runs, and 23 RBIs in 45 games. Although he spent some time on the injured list earlier in the season, he's returned stronger than ever.

Future with the St. Louis Cardinals

Immediate Impact: Some analysts believe Wetherholt could make an immediate impact in the Cardinals' lineup if he's called up to the big leagues. His ability to hit for power, combined with his advanced plate discipline, makes him a potential game-changer.
Long-Term Outlook: Wetherholt is expected to become a key piece in the Cardinals' future plans. His versatility – he can play both the outfield and infield – makes him an even more valuable asset.
Competition for Roles: Wetherholt will face competition from other Cardinals prospects like Thomas Saggese and Jimmy Crooks for starting roles in the future.
Position: Wetherholt's position on the field will depend on how he performs and the needs of the team. He has experience in the outfield (both corner and center), as well as playing second and third base.

In light of his impressive performance in Double-A, it's evident that JJ Wetherholt is on a path towards Triple-A, as he aims to showcase his skills against more elite pitching in the MLB. A standout college player at West Virginia University, Wetherholt was drafted 8th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2024 MLB Draft, and his journey through the minors has solidified his status as one of the league's most promising prospects.