What's Happening?
The St. Louis Cardinals are preparing for the potential debut of top prospect JJ Wetherholt in the 2026 MLB season. Wetherholt, who was named the Texas League MVP, has shown impressive performance in the minors,
particularly after his promotion to Triple-A Memphis. The Cardinals are considering making roster changes to accommodate Wetherholt, possibly through trading fan-favorite Brendan Donovan. Wetherholt, a natural shortstop, is expected to fit into the lineup at second base, given the presence of Gold Glove winner Masyn Winn at shortstop. Prospect expert Jonathon Mayo has given Wetherholt an 80% chance of starting the season with the Cardinals.
Why It's Important?
The potential debut of JJ Wetherholt is significant for the Cardinals as they aim to rebuild and inject fresh talent into their lineup. Wetherholt's entry into the major leagues could energize the fan base and improve the team's performance. His presence might also influence the Cardinals' trade decisions, particularly concerning Brendan Donovan and other players like Nolan Gorman and Nolan Arenado. The team's strategic moves to accommodate Wetherholt could reshape their roster and impact their competitiveness in the league.
What's Next?
The Cardinals are likely to continue exploring trade options to make room for Wetherholt in the lineup. The decision to trade Donovan or other players will be crucial in determining Wetherholt's role and position in the team. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the Cardinals manage their roster and whether Wetherholt will indeed make his MLB debut in 2026.
