JJ Wetherholt continued to prove why he has become one of the St. Louis Cardinals’ most valuable players, delivering another outstanding all-around performance as the Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-0 at Wrigley Field on Saturday.
The rookie second baseman wasted no time making an impact in the heated rivalry matchup. As he stepped into the batter’s box for his first at-bat, Cubs fans greeted him with loud boos after his strong showing in the series opener. Wetherholt answered in the best possible way, crushing the very first pitch he saw a 90.4 mph fastball from Chicago starter Shota Imanaga into the left-field basket for a leadoff home run that quickly silenced the home crowd.
It was another statement performance from the 23-year-old, who reached base four times and finished 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, a walk, and his seventh three-hit game of the season. The leadoff blast marked the fourth home run of his rookie campaign and set a new Cardinals rookie record. Even more impressive, all three of his hits were driven to the opposite field, highlighting the disciplined hitting approach that has quickly become one of his trademarks.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised Wetherholt’s consistency, noting that the rookie rarely strays from his game plan.
According to Marmol, Wetherholt remains composed in every plate appearance, continues to make smart defensive plays, and has steadily improved offensively throughout the season. His maturity, preparation, and baseball instincts have allowed him to contribute well beyond what is typically expected from a player appearing in only his 82nd Major League game.
Wetherholt credited his success to the work he puts in before games, explaining that thorough preparation gives him confidence once the first pitch is thrown.
His ability to use the opposite field was once again on full display. Three separate times, Wetherholt patiently let the ball travel before driving it to left field. The first resulted in his home run, the second became a gap-shot double, and the third produced another solid single.
The rookie explained that using the opposite field is generally his preferred approach, though he occasionally adjusts depending on the opposing pitcher.
His teammates have grown accustomed to performances like this.
Shortstop Masyn Winn joked that another dominant outing from Wetherholt has become almost routine, adding that the rookie’s remarkable talent no longer surprises anyone in the clubhouse.
Winn also highlighted the qualities fans rarely notice during games. Playing alongside Wetherholt in the middle infield, he described constant communication about pitchers, defensive positioning, and game situations. He praised Wetherholt’s baseball intelligence, advanced strike-zone awareness, and exceptional feel for making consistent contact, saying those traits make him an enjoyable teammate to play alongside.
While his offensive production stole the headlines, one of Wetherholt’s biggest contributions came on defense.
In the eighth inning, with the Cardinals protecting a 3-0 lead, Chicago’s Michael Busch hit a ground ball that forced Wetherholt to move toward first base. Rather than attempting a difficult throw to second base in hopes of turning a more spectacular play, Wetherholt wisely secured the guaranteed out at first, preventing the Cubs from building momentum.
Although the decision barely stood out in the box score, Marmol considered it one of the game’s most important moments. He explained that trying for the riskier play could have opened the door for a big inning, while Wetherholt’s smart decision ensured the Cardinals remained firmly in control.
Wetherholt admitted afterward that he briefly considered attempting the tougher play before deciding that taking the sure out was the correct baseball decision.
The performance was especially impressive because it came less than a day after Wetherholt learned he had been left off the National League All-Star roster despite putting together one of the league’s best rookie campaigns.
Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, he responded with another outstanding game, collecting three hits, another home run, another walk, and helping lead St. Louis to another victory.
Marmol believes Wetherholt was deserving of All-Star recognition and expressed confidence that the talented young infielder will have many opportunities to earn the honor throughout his career.
Even the hostile environment at Wrigley Field appeared to energize him.
After hearing the Cubs fans boo him before his first at-bat, Wetherholt admitted the atmosphere gave him chills and helped fuel his competitive fire. Marmol welcomed the reaction from the opposing crowd, saying that receiving such treatment is often a sign that a player is making a significant impact.
One swing later, the boos had turned into silence.
Another game later, Wetherholt had further strengthened his growing reputation as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. What once looked like an impressive rookie hot streak is increasingly becoming the standard for one of the Cardinals’ most dependable performers.
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