| Player: JJ Wetherholt | |||||||||||
| Org: St. Louis Cardinals | Highest Level: Triple A | Position(s): SS | |||||||||
| Height: 5’10” | Weight: 190 lbs. | Bats: Left | Throws: Right | ||||||||
| Summary: Wetherholt’s offensive profile is anchored by one of the most advanced hit tools in the minors, built on elite swing decisions, pitch recognition, and uncommon bat-to-ball consistency. The left-handed swing is simple and low-effort, with loose, adjustable hands and a leg kick that gets down early and stays balanced, allowing him to handle velocity and spin across the zone. He covers both halves comfortably, uses the whole field, and backspins contact more than the raw EVs might suggest. The result is a hitter who walks more than he strikes out, controls at-bats, and produces consistent hard contact without selling out for damage. The power has grown naturally, projecting closer to average in games with the ability to reach the low-20s annually as he continues to trust lift rather than forcing it. Beyond the bat, there’s real athletic value. He’s an above-average runner with strong baserunning instincts, capable of impacting the game with 15–20 stolen bases and consistently taking extra bags. The speed has held post-injury, and the overall feel for the game stands out — he slows things down, reads pitchers well, and maximizes his tools. Early-career power output may sit closer to the 10–12 homer range before fully maturing, but the on-base ability, contact quality, and situational hitting give him immediate top-of-the-order value and a very high offensive floor. Defensively, the fit remains flexible. He’s playable at shortstop with solid actions and internal clock, though the arm plays better away from the hole, making second or third base more likely long term. At either spot, he projects as an above-average defender thanks to instincts, footwork, and reliability rather than flash. The bat is the separator — it demands everyday at-bats regardless of position — and the overall profile points to a near-MLB-ready infielder with All-Star upside. If the in-game power continues trending the way it has, the ceiling moves from high-floor regular to legitimate impact cornerstone. | |||||||||||
Shaun Kernahan is the founder and lead writer of Three Quarter Slot, where he blends scouting precision with a storyteller’s eye for the human side of the game. Based in Parker, Colorado, he has covered baseball prospects at every level since 2013, delivering in-depth evaluations, draft analysis, and developmental insight. Over the years, he has built Three Quarter Slot into a trusted home for thoughtful prospect coverage, detailed scouting reports, and a grounded look at how talent evolves
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