Central STL News

Some 14 players on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list have been called up to Major League Baseball this season. Among them are six prospects from the 2024 MLB Draft, prompting a mix of emotions for Cardinals top prospect JJ Wetherholt. Despite these feelings, Wetherholt, who plays as a shortstop and second baseman at Double-A Springfield, remains focused on his journey to the big leagues.

Wetherholt was selected as the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft. He acknowledges seeing fellow draftees like Chase Burns, Nick Kurtz, Jac Caglianone, Christian Moore, Cam Smith, and Ryan Johnson reach the majors before him. "It's a mix of both [emotions], for sure," he said. "When you see that, you want some of that for yourself. But it's not how things are supposed to go now."

Despite any internal pressures, Wetherholt has performed well with Double-A Springfield. He leads the Texas League in batting average (.305) and on-base percentage (.430). His performance earned him a spot in the MLB Futures Game set for July 12 at Atlanta's Truist Park.

Wetherholt will join nine first-round picks from the 2024 MLB Draft and nine of the top 19 prospects from MLB Pipeline’s rankings at this prestigious event. Reflecting on this opportunity, he stated: “This is one of those games that’s so prestigious and the majority of the people who play in it go on to have pretty successful careers.”

While anticipating his future in baseball, Wetherholt hopes to meet Braves' All-Star Ozzie Albies during his time in Atlanta. Beyond baseball achievements, both share an interest in freshwater fishing.

Fishing serves as an outlet for Wetherholt and teammate Dakota Harris to manage life's ups and downs beyond baseball promotions. "We talk about all areas of life that we’re struggling with," said Wetherholt. "Obviously you want to perform well, but this game will beat you up."