Cards prospect JJ Wetherholt fuels win in spring training

Top St. Louis prospect hits game-winning home run against Orioles

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Top St. Louis Cardinals prospect JJ Wetherholt hit a game-winning home run to lead the Cardinals to a 7-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in spring training action on Monday in Jupiter, Florida. Wetherholt, ranked the 5th overall prospect in baseball, hit his second spring homer to break a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning. The Cardinals added three more runs in the seventh on homers from other top prospects Joshua Baez and Chase Davis.

Why it matters

Wetherholt's performance is a positive sign for the Cardinals as they look to integrate their top prospects into the major league roster. The team's farm system is highly regarded, and strong spring showings from players like Wetherholt could boost their chances of making the Opening Day roster.

The details

Wetherholt, who is hitting .278 this spring, hit the game-winning home run in the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie. The Cardinals then tacked on three more runs in the seventh on homers from No. 4 organizational prospect Joshua Baez and Chase Davis. Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore struck out seven and allowed two runs over five innings, with Matt Svanson recording the win with a scoreless frame in relief.

  • The game took place on Monday, March 10, 2026 in spring training action in Jupiter, Florida.

The players

JJ Wetherholt

The 5th overall prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, who plays for the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

Joshua Baez

The 4th ranked prospect in the Cardinals organization, who hit a home run in the game.

Chase Davis

A Cardinals prospect who also hit a home run in the game.

Matthew Liberatore

The Cardinals pitcher who struck out seven and allowed two runs over five innings.

Matt Svanson

The Cardinals pitcher who recorded the win with a scoreless relief appearance.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Wetherholt's performance is a positive sign for the Cardinals as they look to integrate their top prospects into the major league roster. The team's farm system is highly regarded, and strong spring showings from players like Wetherholt could boost their chances of making the Opening Day roster.