Cardinals Get Early JJ Wetherholt, Nolan Gorman Infield Updates

Spring Training is underway for the St. Louis Cardinals, and the team is already getting a look at their top prospects in the infield.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Cardinals' top prospect, JJ Wetherholt, is in big league camp and has a chance to make the Opening Day roster. Wetherholt can play second base, shortstop and third base, but with Masyn Winn already at shortstop, the team is looking at Wetherholt at second base and Nolan Gorman at third base in early spring training drills.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have a talented infield group with Wetherholt, Gorman and others competing for playing time. How the team decides to align their infield will have major implications for the roster and the development of their top prospects.

The details

In early spring training drills, Wetherholt has been getting reps at second base, while Gorman has been working at third base. This suggests the Cardinals may be leaning towards Wetherholt as their second baseman and Gorman as their third baseman to start the season. Both players have the versatility to play multiple infield positions, but this alignment would provide a clearer path to the majors for Wetherholt at second base.

  • Spring Training is just kicking off for the St. Louis Cardinals.
  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin on Opening Day.

The players

JJ Wetherholt

The Cardinals' top prospect, who can play second base, shortstop and third base. He had a breakout 2025 season in the minors and is now in big league camp with a chance to make the Opening Day roster.

Nolan Gorman

A top Cardinals prospect who can also play second base and third base. He filled in at third base last season when Nolan Arenado was hurt, and the team may be looking to keep him at that position to start 2026.

Masyn Winn

The Cardinals' starting shortstop, blocking Wetherholt from that position and potentially opening up second base as his best path to the majors.

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What they’re saying

“As Cardinals infielders take their first structured ground ball rotation of spring, Nolan Gorman is stationed at third base and JJ Wetherholt is at second.”

— Jeff Jones, Reporter (Belleville News-Democrat)

What’s next

Over the next six weeks of Spring Training, the Cardinals will continue to evaluate their infield options and determine the best alignment to start the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Cardinals have a wealth of infield talent, with Wetherholt and Gorman emerging as potential stars. How the team decides to position them will be a key storyline to watch as Spring Training progresses and the regular season approaches.