Central STL News

ST. LOUIS – Cardinals prospect JJ Wetherholt continues to make an impact since his move to Triple-A Memphis, showing both offensive production and defensive flexibility. Wetherholt, ranked No. 6 on MLB Pipeline’s prospect list, started Memphis’ recent game in Charlotte with a leadoff home run—his fifth such homer since his July 7 promotion.

The infielder hit a 334-foot home run off Mike Clevinger’s fastball in Memphis’ 7-5 win. Wetherholt, a first-round pick in 2024, has posted a .297/.394/.648 line with eight home runs, six doubles, and 15 RBIs over 24 Triple-A games.

“The biggest adjustment [from Double-A to Triple-A] is being able to hit the mistake,” said Wetherholt. “You get one good pitch an at-bat. When you get that pitch, you got to hit it.

“My hitting profile isn't where the flash is coming from homers. It's been great lately, but I need to be more consistent in the barrel and using the whole field. I'm usually good at controlling the left-center gap, and that's something that has been hit or miss lately. I want to get back to using the whole field and get back to being a threat to the pitchers -- not because I might hit a leadoff homer, but because I might hit a double on every pitch.”

Wetherholt was named the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Month for July after adapting well at the plate and continuing development defensively across multiple infield positions. At Double-A Springfield he played mostly second base (17 starts) and shortstop (36 starts), recording no errors at second but six at shortstop. Since joining Memphis, he has made starts at shortstop and third base—a position he had not played since college—with mixed results as he adjusts.

“I haven't played [third] since my freshman year in college, so it's going to take a little bit to get back to the swing of it there,” he said. “I’ve been working there for the past probably four or five weeks. I don't know entirely what the goal is, but I think we're probably going to be about two games a week [at third] from here on out. I'm getting more comfortable as the game goes. I’m definitely going to need a bunch of in-game reps.”

With veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado sidelined by a right shoulder strain for two weeks, there is speculation about whether Wetherholt could see time at third base with St. Louis if promoted.

Masyn Winn, who was promoted from Triple-A Memphis last August before becoming a Gold Glove candidate at shortstop this season, found value in similar experiences preparing for his rookie year.

Wetherholt acknowledged knowing Winn’s story but remains focused on his current goals.

“I’m just trying to get better and whatever happens, happens,” Wetherholt said. “It’s not my decision and it’s not something I’m focused on; I’m focused on getting better, learning different positions, learning how to hit and being more consistent and continue to develop as a player. That’s where my head’s at now.”

When asked which position best suits him long-term in Major League Baseball, Wetherholt deferred that decision but expressed confidence about his versatility.

“The nature of second is it's just a less demanding position, and I'm really confident over there,” he said. “I'm confident at shortstop with all the work that we put in, and third base is just going to continue to grow as we play.

“I definitely have the tool set to be able to play all of it. I don't know entirely where I would project out [position-wise in MLB], but I'm pretty confident in my defensive abilities and think I could honestly play anywhere.”

Other top minor league performances included Leo De Vries of Oakland hitting two home runs and Aiva Arquette of Miami recording his first professional roundtripper.