Cardinals Insider Teases Significant JJ Wetherholt Update

Wetherholt could be in the mix for the leadoff spot on Opening Day

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:57pm

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According to Cardinals insider Jeff Jones, top prospect JJ Wetherholt has been discussed as a potential leadoff option for the organization. Jones also noted that Wetherholt is expected to be the team's starting second baseman, barring any unexpected changes. Cardinals manager Oli Marmol has also praised Wetherholt's skills and said he'll have every opportunity to compete for a roster spot this spring.

Why it matters

Wetherholt is considered one of the top prospects in the Cardinals' system and his potential MLB debut has been highly anticipated. If he can secure a starting role, especially in the leadoff spot, it would be a significant boost to the Cardinals' lineup and their hopes of contending in the NL Central.

The details

Jones reported that during a discussion about lineup construction with Marmol, Wetherholt's name came up as a potential leadoff hitter. Marmol also recently commented that Wetherholt is "very close" to the big leagues and will have every opportunity to compete for a roster spot this spring. Wetherholt is expected to be the team's starting second baseman, though Marmol noted he could see some time at third base as well.

  • Spring Training is currently in full swing for the Cardinals.
  • Wetherholt was discussed as a leadoff option during a recent conversation between Jones and Marmol.
  • Marmol commented on Wetherholt's status on February 14, 2026.

The players

JJ Wetherholt

The top prospect in the Cardinals' system who is expected to compete for a starting role this spring.

Oli Marmol

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals who has praised Wetherholt's skills and said he'll have every opportunity to make the team.

Jeff Jones

A Cardinals insider and reporter for the Belleville News-Democrat who has been covering the team's spring training activities.

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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, Cardinals insider (Belleville News-Democrat)

“He's the second baseman. I can't say he's going to play zero games at third, but he's the second baseman.”

— Jeff Jones, Cardinals insider (Belleville News-Democrat)

“Obviously, the skillset is there where we've talked about that part of it quite a bit. He was challenged with being able to do some things defensively. He has worked very hard at that as well. His overall games is pretty elite. The most impressive thing is his personality and overall demeanor and how he handles himself. The way he communicates is something I've really enjoyed. You put that together with his skillset and it's pretty neat. He's very close. He's going to be competing for a position with us. He'll have every opportunity to do so. We're not going to give anything away this year.”

— Oli Marmol, Cardinals manager (SI.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to evaluate Wetherholt throughout spring training as he competes for a roster spot. If he impresses, he could earn the starting second base job and potentially even the leadoff role to begin the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Wetherholt's potential MLB debut has been highly anticipated, and it appears the Cardinals are seriously considering him for a significant role on the team this season. His combination of elite skills and strong personality have the organization excited about his future, and he'll have every chance to prove he's ready for the big leagues this spring.