Following the retirements of Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols, and Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals looked to their infield for the future. This included Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras. A disappointing 83-79 record in 2024 with no playoffs led to more change. First Baseman Paul Goldschmidt left the team in free agency to join the New York Yankees on a 1 year, $12.5 million deal. Despite this, the Cardinals have stayed afloat for now, posting a 51-46 record so far. This all the while with Arenado having his worst full season since his rookie year.
JJ Wetherholt is the Beginning of a New Era for the Cardinals
Additionally, former top prospects Victor Scott II and Mason Wynn are both batting below average so far. Because of this, the Cardinals will look to their farm system for who’s next. 2024 first-round pick JJ Wetherholt leads this from West Virginia.
Future of the Cardinals
After an impressive 2023 season in which Wetherholt slashed .449/.517/1.304 to lead Division I, he was set for a breakout 2024. He would, unfortunately, suffer a hamstring injury, causing him to miss almost 20 games. In spite of that, he still managed to hit .331 with a 1.061 OPS, and a 17/30 K/BB ratio. This had him as potentially the top pick in the draft right up to draft day. He would ultimately become the 7th overall pick, selected by the Cardinals.
In his first professional season, JJ Wetherholt played in 29 games, during which he posted a .805 OPS. He then started the 2025 season in Double-A, where he played 62 games. Wetherholt managed to slash .300/.425/.466 in those games with 22 XBH. His plate discipline continued as he walked 44 times while being struck out only 40 times to go along with 14 stolen bases. This success then allowed him to move up to Triple-A, where his success has continued. Despite only playing 3 games so far, he has hit .364 and slugged .909. While these numbers will come down, it is a very good sign for the Cardinals’ number 1 prospect of what is to come.
I feel like what JJ Wetherholt is doing in Double-A is not getting nearly enough attention.
Since June 1: .362/.506/.536, 18 BB, 13 K, 59% Hard Hit pic.twitter.com/KsjePzA0CI
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) June 29, 2025
What does the Future Hold for JJ Wetherholt and the Cardinals
While it seems unlikely that we will see Wetherholt in the majors in 2025, he very well could break Spring Training with the team. With All-Star Brendan Donovan being the current second baseman, it leaves shortstop potentially open for Wetherholt. One other solution includes shifting Donovan to the corner outfield or designated hitter. This would allow for Mason Wynn to play every day alongside Wetherholt. The rest of their farm system includes LHP Quinn Mathews and C Leonardo Bernal. These can replace the aging pitchers such as Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Erik Fedde. 2026 may not be a year of contention for the Cardinals, but it could very well allow them to rebuild and retool, going into 2027 with a revamped team.
Main Photo Credits: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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