West Virginia baseball all-time great JJ Wetherholt recorded his first home run in Double-A baseball this past week.
During a mid-week clash between the Springfield Cardinals and Arkansas Travelers, Wetherholt had one specific at-bat he'll remember for a while. The former Mountaineer slugged a massive hit towards the left-center.
At first, Wetherholt seemed confused whether the ball had left the yard or had hit off the top of the wall, but the brief moment of confusion had a favorable outcome for the Springfield shortstop -- the hit narrowly cleared the wall before bouncing back onto the field of play, still counting for Wetherholt’s first Double-A home run.
No. 1 on the year for JJ pic.twitter.com/ow4MKQvMHT
— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) April 17, 2025
Wetherholt is starting his 2025 season extremely hot -- the home run adds to a resume that now includes five extra base hits in only 10 games played this season. And Wetherholt’s slash line of .342/.429/.512 proves that he is capable of hitting for average and for power.
As long as the 22-year-old improves each season, he can expect to make his big-league debut soon enough. And when he does make his big-league debut, there is a good chance he will be reuniting with former Mountaineer teammate Victor Scott II.
Three great seasons at WVU propelled Wetherholt to the top of the 2024 MLB Draft. Many guessed or speculated that he could go anywhere in the top three picks of the draft, and when the shortstop was available at the seventh pick, the Cardinals knew who their guy was.
In his three seasons in Morgantown, the shortstop showcased his ability to hit for average as well as power. Wetherholt posted a career high 16 home runs and 60 RBIs in his sophomore season while hitting .443. His spectacular sophomore season earned him the Big 12 Player of the Year for the 2023 season.
Even during an injury-plagued junior season, Wetherholt still earned First Team Big 12. His final season in Morgantown still produced a very quality statistical year despite the injuries. With a .333 batting average, Wetherholt also contributed eight home runs and 30 RBIs when he was healthy.
If he can stay healthy and continue to develop as a major league hitter, the Mar, Pennsylvania, native will be a successful big leaguer. A .500 Cardinals team is surprising many with their success early in the 2025 season. If the Cardinals have a chance later in the season, Wetherholt may hear his name called with other reinforcements joining the major league squad.