Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt Debuts in Spring Training as David Freese Returns

JUPITER, Fla. — Wednesday marked a special occasion for the St. Louis Cardinals as they welcomed back World Series MVP David Freese as a guest coach while also witnessing the inaugural Grapefruit League appearance of top prospect JJ Wetherholt. The Cardinals hosted the Houston Astros for their home opener at Roger Dean Stadium.

Wetherholt, selected as the seventh overall pick in last summer’s draft, took the field at shortstop, marking a significant milestone in his budding career. The 22-year-old from West Virginia made an immediate impact as he started on the same day Freese returned to his former team, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the day’s events.

“Pulling up to the complex after all these years gave me a wave of excitement and nerves,” Freese said. “It was reassuring to be welcomed warmly by the players, and I felt right at home. It reminds me of everything I missed about the game.” Freese, who was an instrumental player for the Cardinals in the 2011 World Series, is eager to share his experiences and knowledge with the current roster.

The Cardinals’ coaching staff has plans to alternate starts at shortstop between Wetherholt and fellow prospect Masyn Winn, with experienced players like Michael Helman and Jose Fermin filling in as needed. This strategy is designed to assess their readiness for the upcoming season.

Starting pitcher Miles Mikolas took the mound for the Cardinals, intending to throw two innings against Houston. The Cardinals’ lineup for the game included Victor Scott II as center fielder and Alec Burleson at first base, showcasing some of the team’s promising young talent.

In addition, the Cardinals began their spring training with several position switches to evaluate player adaptability. Notably, the team moved Willson Contreras between different roles, indicating their intention to optimize their roster ahead of the regular season. Manager Oliver Marmol emphasized the importance of these evaluations, stating, “We want to ensure everyone gets the chance to show what they can do. Early decisions now can greatly impact who has a place on this team come April.”

Freese’s presence on the field resonated well with players like Nolan Gorman and Brendan Donovan, who appreciated the experience he brings to the team. “Having someone like David around is invaluable. He’s been there, done that, and can relate to our journeys,” Gorman said.

Going into this spring training, the Cardinals are also adapting to the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, which allows teams to challenge ball or strike calls. Lars Nootbaar became the first Cardinal to use this system wisely during a game, successfully overturning a strike call, adding a strategic layer to the game evolution.

As spring training continues, Freese hopes to establish a lasting connection with the team, saying he envisions himself contributing to the Cardinals each season. His aspirations reflect a deeper sense of belonging and commitment to the franchise that helped define his career.

“I am extremely honored to put the uniform back on and support these young guys in any way I can,” Freese added. “This is just the beginning. With the right guidance, they can achieve greatness. I believe that.”