By: Clark Johnson |WV Sports Chat
Morgantown, WV – Following a stellar career with the WVU Baseball program, former star J.J. Wetherholt was selected 7th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2024 MLB Draft. After spending the 2025 season in developmental leagues, Wetherholt is now poised to become a significant contributor for the Cardinals in 2026.
Earlier today, ESPN revealed their predictions for the top prospects in the MLB this season. Wetherholt was recognized with one of the most impressive feats on the list.
ESPN has officially projected that Wetherholt will be named the NL Rookie of the Year in 2026. Here is what the outlet had to say about his potential:
“With Monday’s Brendan Donovan trade opening a route for Wetherholt to get lots of playing time, his skill set (infield fit, standout approach and contact, 20-20 upside) is reliable in terms of minor league performance quickly showing up at the big-league level.”
Wetherholt finished his decorated WVU career with a .370 batting average and 29 home runs.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
