ST. LOUIS — Cardinals top prospect JJ wetherholt is laser-focused on maintaining his strengths as he prepares for a Spring Training that could see him reach the major leagues.
Wetherholt, MLB’s No. 5 overall prospect, revealed during Day 2 of the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up that he’s actively working to prioritize the skills that propelled him to this point, rather than dwelling on perceived weaknesses. Early in his professional career, he noted, feedback frequently enough centered on what he *didn’t* do well – specifically, a lack of pull-side power – overshadowing his natural ability to drive the ball to all fields for extra bases.
“‘Fight’ could be, could not be, the right word,” Wetherholt said, reflecting on his commitment to the smooth, easy swing that made him the No.7 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. “When I got drafted into the organization, there was not a lot of talk about how well I hit the ball the other way and a lot of talk about how not good I hit the ball to the pull side.When you’re faced wiht that the first time, it’s like, ‘Shoot, I just came off hitting.450 in college, and you’re going to talk about how bad I am at hitting?'”
“For me, that was a little bit of a culture shock, and it was something I had to address, as there is room for me to grow, but I didn’t want to lose what made me, me.”
Wetherholt’s potential is so meaningful that the Cardinals have reportedly engaged in discussions regarding a trade involving Brendan Donovan, their lone All-Star in 2025. New president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom has emphasized that Wetherholt will receive a full opportunity to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster during Spring Training.
Manager Oliver Marmol, impressed by Wetherholt’s poise under pressure during his 2025 Spring Training debut, is eager to evaluate the young infielder in various roles.
“His mindset, in my opinion, will allow him to excel [at second base, third or shortstop]because it’s a special mindset and one that I continue to be impressed with,” Marmol said. “There’s a quiet confidence to him that is rare with young players. It’s different, it’s pretty special, and I’m looking forward to seeing it on a daily basis. we saw some of it in spring [of 2025]. The way he carried himself, being around big league guys and big league staff the first time showed what he’s all about.”
Wetherholt’s current focus is on leveraging his strengths to demonstrate his readiness for the majors.After a winter spent working alongside established MLB veterans, he’s resolute to prove that his all-fields hitting approach will translate to the highest level. He’s shifting his approach this Spring Training, moving from observing veterans like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray to actively competing for a roster spot.
“It’s completely different now; last year was to have the experience, and this year it’s to make the team,” Wetherholt said. “Simply put, [making the team] is what I’m trying to do, and everything is going to look different. This year, I’m trying to make a team and continue those relationships I built.”
