The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that top prospect JJ Wetherholt will make the Opening Day roster, marking the beginning of a new era for the team. Wetherholt, a 5-foot-10 middle infielder, was drafted seventh overall in 2024 out of West Virginia and is expected to play second base alongside stud defender Masyn Winn at shortstop. The 23-year-old has shown impressive skills, hitting .306 with 17 home runs, 23 stolen bases, and nearly as many walks as strikeouts in his last season between the upper-minor levels.
Wetherholt's impressive statistics, including 28 doubles, two triples, and 59 runs scored, have made him one of the favorites to win the National League Rookie of the Year award. Despite some concerns about his frame and history of soft-tissue injuries, Wetherholt has proven himself to be a talented hitter. In 15 games with the big-league Cards in spring training, he hit .212 with two homers, seven RBI, and six runs scored.
Wetherholt's inclusion on the Opening Day roster marks a significant step in the team's rebuild, which has been focused on building toward the future. With Winn at shortstop and Wetherholt at second base, the Cardinals are set to feature a dynamic young duo in the middle of their infield.
The inclusion of JJ Wetherholt on the St. Louis Cardinals' Opening Day roster is a significant boost for the team's future prospects. As one of the favorites for National League Rookie of the Year, Wetherholt is expected to bring excitement and talent to the Cardinals' lineup. With his impressive skills and dynamic play, he is sure to be a key player in the team's rebuild and a major factor in their success this season.
