Cardinals Promote JJ Wetherholt to Triple-A Memphis

JJ Wetherholt, the St. Louis Cardinals' top prospect and the No. 7 pick in last year's MLB Draft, has been promoted from Double-A Springfield to Triple-A Memphis less than a year after being drafted. Wetherholt excelled in Double-A, recording a .300 batting average, .425 on-base percentage, .891 OPS, seven home runs, and 14 stolen bases in 62 games. He is the first Cardinals position player since 2009 to reach Triple-A within a year of being drafted. Primarily splitting time between shortstop and second base, Wetherholt is expected to focus on second base in the majors due to Masyn Winn's role at shortstop. While a 2026 MLB debut is likely, his strong minor league performance could accelerate his arrival, especially as the Cardinals vie for the postseason. Wetherholt's rapid ascent follows a college career highlighted by a Division I batting title and immediate impact at every minor league stop.