Cardinals’ Top Prospect JJ Wetherholt is Tearing the Cover off the Ball in Memphis
With the 2025 MLB trade deadline in the rearview mirror and several veterans shipped out or injured (Arenado), the St. Louis Cardinals are officially shifting focus toward the future. That future increasingly revolves around the Cardinals’ top prospect — and one of the best prospects in all of baseball — JJ Wetherholt.
Wetherholt, 21, has been on a tear since his promotion to Triple-A Memphis. Entering play on Sunday, the dynamic infielder is slashing an eye-popping .321/.412/.714 with five home runs, five doubles, and nine RBIs in just 15 games. He added to his impressive stretch with yet another homer on Sunday afternoon, solidifying his case as one of the most MLB-ready bats in the minor leagues.
Could Wetherholt take over for Arenado at 3B?
Originally drafted as a middle infielder, Wetherholt has flashed an elite hit tool at every level. Now, the Cardinals may be experimenting with positional flexibility as a path to his MLB debut. According to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News Democrat, Wetherholt started his first professional game at third base on Sunday — a position he hasn’t played since his freshman year at West Virginia.
“JJ Wetherholt starting at third for Memphis today. It’s his first professional appearance there. Hasn’t played third since his freshman year at West Virginia,” Jones reported.
This development comes as Nolan Arenado remains sidelined with an injury, and the Cardinals — sitting outside of playoff position — are clearly evaluating younger players in preparation for 2026. While it’s unclear whether Wetherholt will make his MLB debut this season, although opening at third with Arenado on the shelf seems to be primed for JJ. Not to mention, with $54 million already tied up in Arenado’s salary at 3rd, having someone on a rookie contract is about as cost effective as it comes to fill that hole.
Youth Movement
With Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker already part of the youth movement in St. Louis, albeit also moved from their natural positions, adding Wetherholt to the mix, and switching his position would further solidify a young core built around versatile, high-upside talent. Although, one has to wonder if second base would be a better evolution for the natural middle infielder.
Even if his call-up doesn’t happen in 2025, it’s becoming increasingly evident that Wetherholt will be a foundational piece for the Cardinals — and potentially very soon.
