Cardinals' star rookie JJ Wetherholt needs your vote to win his first of many awards

Of all the new faces in St. Louis last season, JJ Wetherholt set a standard of consistency–emotionally and on the field. 

The even-keeled rookie managed 4.5 bWAR in his first season and swatted 17 home runs, but one of the most impressive parts of his game was internal. 

Wetherholt was unshakable. The moment was never too big; the lights were never too bright for the face of the Cardinals' future. People around the game noticed his slow heartbeat before he even debuted. 

Now, Wetherholt is the Cardinals' nominee for the 2026 Heart and Hustle award. 

After a cold finish, Wetherholt may have lost out on a Rookie of the Year award. Still, you can help him bring home some hardware by visiting the link below: 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE: https://www.mlb.com/mlbpaa/events/heart-and-hustle-award 

JJ Wetherholt's character and makeup areexciting parts of the Cardinals future

From the outside, it might be easy to miss the work that sets Wetherholt apart. The hours he spends refining his craft, even when he’s just relaxing in his room. 

According to Just Baseball’s Emily Waldon, a national league scout was quoted as saying Wetherholt was “one of the most intentional people he’s ever come across.” 

That same intentionality resurfaced ahead of his rookie season, when Wetherholt opened up about his journaling tactics. 

The still-developing big leaguer kept notes. No matter the moment, however small, he’d jot it down. Wetherholt believed it gave him a first-hand look at how he could improve every single day. 

And he definitely improved. 

Before his debut, most scouts listed the second baseman as an average defender, whose bat would carry his value. 

Fast forward to today, and he’s in line to win a Gold Glove as a rookie second baseman. That kind of rise is only possible through intentionality. 

As Wetherholt embarks on an offseason journey to better himself on and off the field, the fans and writers have to decide what it all means between the lines. 

Regardless of where he finishes–Gold Glove or not, Heart and Hustle Award or not, the kid has earned more than his flowers. 

Through determination, restlessness, and hunger, Wetherholt has molded himself into the kind of player St. Louis was willing to buy into–which is exactly why you should vote for him to win this year’s Heart and Hustle Award. 

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