Cardinals' Top Prospect JJ Wetherholt Promoted to Triple-A Memphis

The St. Louis Cardinals have promoted their top prospect, JJ Wetherholt, to Triple-A Memphis, marking a significant milestone as he is the first Cardinals minor leaguer to reach Triple-A within a year of being drafted since Michael Wacha in 2013, and the first position player to do so since Brett Wallace in 2009. Wetherholt, a 22-year-old middle infielder from West Virginia and the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has excelled in the minors, hitting .300 with a strong on-base percentage and OPS at Double-A Springfield, leading the Texas League in both categories. Ranked No. 19 overall prospect in baseball and No. 1 in the Cardinals' system, Wetherholt is expected to develop further in Triple-A and could be a September call-up, although there is uncertainty about his immediate role on the major league team due to the current infield roster. He is also set to participate in the 2025 MLB Futures Game, highlighting his status as a rising star. The Cardinals face a strategic decision on whether to promote him late in the season to gain experience or allow him more seasoning in Triple-A, with potential incentives linked to his rookie performance in 2026. Overall, Wetherholt's rapid ascent underscores his projected impact and the Cardinals' investment in future competitiveness.