Central STL News

The St. Louis Cardinals are weighing the timing of a potential call-up for infield prospect JJ Wetherholt, according to recent discussion on the MLB Pipeline Podcast and coverage from MLB.com. Wetherholt, who was the team's first-round pick in 2024, has drawn attention with his performance at Triple-A, where he has posted an OPS over 1.000 and demonstrated versatility by playing three infield positions.

"The Cards are facing a 40-man roster crunch that could make adding Wetherholt, their 2024 first-round pick, more challenging this season. An argument could be made that they should wait so they can sort out roster/Rule 5 decisions this offseason and then worry about adding their prized infield prospect to the roster if and when he makes the team next spring. But he sure is making it difficult. He has a combined .931 OPS with nearly as many walks as strikeouts, 16 homers and 18 steals. He's been even better since he got to Triple-A, with an OPS over 1.000, so he clearly deserves a chance to get his feet wet in the big leagues, especially since he's gotten work at three infield positions, increasing ways to get his bat in the lineup. But if it doesn't happen, he should be given every opportunity to make the Opening Day roster next spring."

September call-ups have changed due to new rules limiting roster expansion late in the season. Despite these constraints, several top prospects across Major League Baseball have recently received promotions.

In other prospect news discussed on MLB Pipeline's platforms: Kruz Schoolcraft was highlighted for his high ceiling despite being ranked lower than some of his draft peers; Kendall George's speed remains notable though concerns persist about his power; and among shortstop prospects Konnor Griffin is considered highly promising for both his skill set and ranking among peers.

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