REPORT: Cardinals top prospect’s hot start should have John Mozeliak dreaming of life after Nolan Arenado
If an Arenado trade does happen, St. Louis is in a strong position for the future.
The Cardinals’ top selection in the 2024 MLB Draft is already making waves in spring training, easing concerns about potentially losing their Platinum Glove-winning third baseman.
In his Grapefruit League debut on Sunday, infielder JJ Wetherholt crushed an opposite-field, three-run homer that turned heads—including manager Oliver Marmol, who was impressed by the way the ball jumped off his bat. “He stood on that one, huh? Backside kind of stayed through it, (and) the ball jumped off his bat,” Marmol told Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. According to Statcast, the home run traveled 345 feet with an exit velocity of 100.6 mph.
Wetherholt later added a single in the fourth inning, capping off an impressive debut that might add some urgency for John Mozeliak.
JJ Wetherholt has potential to shine sooner if Nolan Arenado is moved
While Nolan Arenado has arrived at Cardinals camp ready to go, there remains a possibility that outgoing president of baseball operations John Mozeliak could still trade him. However, Arenado would need to approve any deal and appears content to stay in St. Louis unless a move aligns with one of his preferred destinations. For now, the fanbase seems satisfied with that arrangement.
If the Cardinals do trade Arenado, it would create more opportunities for younger players—Mozeliak’s original goal. Nolan Gorman can take over third base, while Thomas Saggese, who has seen time at the position, can also play in the middle infield. JJ Wetherholt provides additional versatility, capable of playing second base and shortstop.
Moving Arenado would allow the Cardinals to consistently play Gorman at third rather than shifting him to second. Saggese could step in at third when Gorman is the designated hitter, while Wetherholt would slot in at second and could cover shortstop if Masyn Winn needs a break. All three are cost-controlled players entering their prime, potentially positioning St. Louis for a return to contention within a year or two.
For now, though, this remains hypothetical. Arenado’s presence is still a major asset for fans, but the future is intriguing as well. Watching how things unfold this season should be exciting.