Cardinals' Top Prospect JJ Wetherholt to Start Spring Opener

The 23-year-old second baseman is expected to make the opening day roster.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals will play their first Spring Training game on Saturday against the Washington Nationals, and top prospect JJ Wetherholt will be in the starting lineup batting fifth and playing second base. Wetherholt, 23, is considered a leading candidate to be the team's opening day second baseman after a strong showing in the minors last season.

Why it matters

Wetherholt is one of the Cardinals' top young talents, and his performance in Spring Training will be closely watched as he looks to lock down a spot on the major league roster. The Cardinals are hoping Wetherholt can provide a boost to their lineup and solidify the second base position.

The details

Wetherholt hit .301 with 18 home runs and 72 RBIs across two minor league levels last season. He has been in discussions to potentially hit leadoff for the Cardinals, showcasing his combination of power and speed. While nothing is guaranteed, the early Spring Training lineup placement suggests the team views Wetherholt as a strong contender to make the opening day roster.

  • The Cardinals will play their first Spring Training game on Saturday, February 21, 2026 against the Washington Nationals.
  • Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The players

JJ Wetherholt

A 23-year-old second base prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system, considered one of the team's top young talents.

Jeff Jones

A reporter for the Belleville News-Democrat who reported that Wetherholt has been discussed as a potential leadoff hitter for the Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“As part of a wider-ranging discussion about lineup construction with Marmol this morning, JJ Wetherholt's name was bandied about as an option at leadoff. If you are still insisting that he will not be on the opening day roster, it is long past time to realign your expectations.”

— Jeff Jones, Reporter (Belleville News-Democrat)

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to evaluate Wetherholt's performance throughout Spring Training as they determine the opening day roster. If he continues to impress, he is expected to earn the starting second base job.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' decision to start top prospect JJ Wetherholt in the first Spring Training game signals their high hopes for the young second baseman. His potential to be a leadoff hitter and solidify the middle infield could provide a boost to the Cardinals' lineup as they aim to contend in 2026.