As the St. Louis Cardinals gear up for spring training in Jupiter, Florida, a wave of nostalgia and expertise is set to sweep through the camp.
Cardinals legends Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, and David Freese have already expressed their interest in mentoring the younger players. Now, former second baseman Kolten Wong joins the roster of mentors, bringing his wealth of experience to the table.
Wong, a first-round pick for the Cardinals in 2011, spent eight seasons with the team, boasting a solid .261/.333/.384 slash line. His standout year came in 2019, where he hit .285 and swiped 24 bases, showcasing his prowess both at the plate and on the bases.
Known for his defensive excellence, Wong earned Gold Glove Awards in 2019 and 2020. After the 2020 season, the Cardinals parted ways with Wong due to financial constraints, leading him to discover newfound power with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting 29 homers over two seasons.
Following stints with the Mariners and Dodgers, Wong retired at 32.
Wong’s journey with the Cardinals mirrors the team’s highs and lows, from their National League championship in 2013 to their analytical struggles in 2020. This diverse experience positions him perfectly to guide the young core through the inevitable ups and downs of the 2026 season.
A Mentor for JJ Wetherholt
Among those set to benefit from Wong’s presence is JJ Wetherholt, the anticipated second baseman for the Cardinals. Both Wetherholt and Wong share the experience of being first-round picks with high expectations. Wong’s insights into managing pressure and refining defensive skills at second base could be invaluable for Wetherholt.
Manager Oli Marmol hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Wetherholt batting leadoff in his debut season, suggesting a significant role awaits him. Wong’s mentorship could be the key to unlocking Wetherholt’s potential and helping him thrive under the spotlight.
Building a Brighter Future
With the combined wisdom of Wong, Molina, Wainwright, Freese, and coaches Daniel Descalso and Jon Jay, the Cardinals’ young players have a treasure trove of knowledge at their disposal. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the influence of these seasoned veterans could be the catalyst for a new era of success. Wetherholt, in particular, stands out as a potential future star, poised to lead the Cardinals into their next chapter, with Wong helping to guide him to those heights.
