Cardinals no. 1 prospect JJ Wetherholt:
New manager Patrick Anderson:
Opening Day starter Tekoah Roby:
Max Rajcic:
Jacob Buchberger:
Another year, another number one prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals starts the minor league season here in Springfield. Last year’s’ 7th overall selection is shortstop JJ Wetherholt. He’s heard great things about his new home. “Just talking to some of the guys they seem to kind of all agree that this one if not the best, one of the best spots for affiliates in the Cardinals organization,” said Wetherholt. “They say the town itself, the stadium, the fan crowds is all a great experience.”
After winning 2024 Texas League Manager of the Year Jose Leger got promoted. New manager Patrick Anderson comes over from the Cardinals High-A affiliate in Peoria. Springfield isn’t too far from where his wife serves as Mizzou’s head softball coach. Anderson announced his opening day starting pitcher at media day. “I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say this but I will,” said Anderson, with a laugh. “It’s going to be [Tekoah] Roby. Roby’s going to start for us day one. I’ve got to talk to my pitching coach and everyone else about game two, three and four and all that type of stuff.”
Roby is a key piece in the trade that sent Jordan Montgomery to Texas two years ago. Last year’s third overall prospect is looking forward to bouncing back after an injury plagued 2024 season. “It makes you like, reset,” said Roby. “And understand that the highs and lows aren’t what we’re here for. It’s more the in between. And so you’re not really riding the highs of being healthy and performing well or the lows of being hurt and not on the field. You’re kind of in the middle at all times.”
Seeing several recent Spring Card call-ups lead the big league club to a 3-0 start, the players say it’s a fun time to be a part of this organization. “In big league camp they were saying ‘Youngry,'” said Max Rajic, a pitcher on the staff. “Youth and hungry. I’m just really excited. They swept the Twins and went 3-0. I think they’re going to be pretty good this year.”
The Spring Birds are hoping for a similar start their first weekend.
