Watch: JJ Wetherholt Crushes First HR of Spring for Cardinals

With former WVU star JJ Wetherholt poised to finally crack the St. Cardinals’ lineup this season, he hit his first home run of the spring on Friday.

Wetherholt, who was named an MVP in the minor leagues last year, crushed a pitch an estimated 422 feet over the fence in deep center field. His home run came in his fourth spring game and off Mets closer Devin Williams.

Wetherholt is the top prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals. And after being drafted in the 2024 MLB Draft and having a minor league season worthy of national recognition in 2025, Wetherholt is now predicted to win the National League Rookie of the Year.

Wetherholt played in both Double-A and Triple-A throughout 2025. Across both levels, Wetherholt hit 28 doubles, 17 home runs, 59 RBI, and stole 23 bases.  He was named the St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Player of the Month in July.

Wetherholt made an impact during his three seasons with the Mountaineers from 2022 to 2024.  With West Virginia, Wetherholt hit 29 total home runs, 129 RBI, stole 57 bases, and had an overall batting average of .370. He was named the Big 12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year in 2022.

Find more coverage of JJ Wetherholt at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Wetherholt was denied his request to play for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic.