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Cardinals Rookie Wetherholt on Pace to Shatter Pujols' Record
9 Jun
Summary
- Rookie JJ Wetherholt is having a historic season for the Cardinals.
- He is on pace to surpass Albert Pujols for rookie WAR record.
- The Cardinals are surprisingly in second place in their division.
The St. Louis Cardinals are experiencing a resurgence, largely thanks to rookie sensation JJ Wetherholt. While the team didn't play on June 9, 2026, Wetherholt's remarkable performance has been a major storyline. He recently appeared on MLB Network, highlighting his growing national recognition.
Wetherholt has been instrumental in the Cardinals' surprising 35-28 record this season, placing them second in the NL Central. His play has been so impressive that he hasn't seemed like a rookie at all, showcasing elite hitting and defense.
Currently, Wetherholt boasts 11 wins above replacement (WAR), placing him in the 100th percentile. This performance puts him on a historic trajectory, potentially surpassing records set by Cardinals legends like Albert Pujols (6.6 WAR rookie season), Lou Klein (6.5 WAR), and Stan Musial (5.3 WAR). Wetherholt is projected to finish his rookie season with 6.9 WAR.
This turnaround marks a significant shift from recent seasons, which were characterized by struggles and negative press. The national media's positive attention on young stars like Wetherholt signals a new, exciting era for the Cardinals.
