​ESPN’s Jeff Passan delivered breaking news Friday that the St. Louis Cardinals have signed star rookie JJ Wetherholt to a nine-figure contract extension that will buy out multiple years of free agency. Wetherholt, 23, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest performers in the majors, even though he has only logged 87 games at the big-league level. Going into Friday night, he boasted a .267/.362/.411 slash line, 13 home runs, and nine stolen bases in nine attempts. Scouts and analysts have consistently praised his defensive work at second base, where he’s been rated as an elite defender with 16 outs above average. Only Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has a higher OAA among MLB position players, at 17, underscoring Wetherholt’s value in the field and contributing to the perception that he could be a cornerstone for the franchise for years to come.
Given those on-field contributions, it’s easy to understand why Wetherholt was widely regarded by evaluators as a top-five prospect in baseball entering this season, and why the Cardinals would want to lock him up on a long-term deal. Yet amid the excitement and optimism, a social media interaction during Passan’s coverage drew attention for a different reason. A commenter in Passan’s replies, responding to the news and asking for clarity about Wetherholt’s position, wrote: “Bro I don’t even know what position he plays how about you include that.”
Passan’s response was swift and pointed: “stop gooning and learn ball.” The remark quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions across social platforms. It’s not unusual for Passan to blend personality with journalism on social media, and this moment epitomized his willingness to engage directly with followers, even when the exchange is contentious. Over the years, Passan has cultivated a reputation for being candid, humorous, and unapologetically himself online, a contrast that has enamored some followers while drawing grumbles from others.
Passan’s online persona isn’t the sole reason for his prominence. He has built a career on delivering timely, well-sourced baseball reporting, scooping leagues and fans with updates on trades, signings, and league developments. His work has earned industry recognition, including accolades from media organizations that acknowledge his impact and influence. In fact, the Awful Announcing staff named Passan the Best Sports Media Insider of 2025, highlighting his ability to combine hard news with engaging, personality-driven content. The digital moment with the “gooning” remark is a microcosm of his broader approach: a blend of sharp reporting, willingness to call out misinformation or ignorance when necessary, and a flair for social dialogue that often amplifies the news cycle.
The post about Passan’s exchange with the social media troll, as covered by Awful Announcing, reflects a broader trend in sports journalism: the increasing intersection of reporting and online culture. In an era where players, teams, and insiders frequently engage with fans in real time, high-profile journalists like Passan navigate a landscape where sharp analysis, quick takes, and occasional verbal sparring all contribute to a larger narrative. This dynamic can drive engagement, shape perceptions, and sometimes become a story in its own right, illustrating how the modern media ecosystem fuses traditional reporting with social media personality.
Regarding the substantive news, the Cardinals’ decision to sign Wetherholt to a nine-figure extension signals a strong vote of confidence in a player who has shown high ceiling and valuable two-way potential. If Wetherholt’s on-field production continues on a trajectory similar to what has been observed in his early major-league sample—where his 87 games include a robust set of offensive numbers and standout defensive metrics—the contract could be viewed in hindsight as a strategic move to secure a foundational piece for the franchise’s future. It’s also a statement about the Cardinals’ approach to balancing immediate competitive aims with long-term organizational stability, especially as they aim to capitalize on Wetherholt’s versatility, athleticism, and potential to develop into a franchise-changer at second base.
As this news unfolds, fans and analysts will be watching how Wetherholt develops in his next seasons and how the Cardinals optimize the arrangement of his contract. The broader takeaway is that Wetherholt’s breakout in a relatively small sample of major-league action, combined with elite defensive metrics and a projectable offensive path, has made him a coveted asset. The nine-figure extension suggests the Cardinals are betting big on his continued ascension and on his capacity to deliver sustained value for years to come.
Meanwhile, Passan’s social media moment underscores the evolving relationship between sports reporting and online interaction. In a landscape where a single reply can spark a viral exchange, journalists must navigate the balance between firm, accurate reporting and the dynamic, sometimes combustible, dialogue that unfolds on platforms like X. Passan’s response could be seen as emblematic of a writer who is not only delivering news but also shaping conversations in real time, for better or worse. It’s a reminder that the media environment today rewards both rigor and personality, and it’s one of the reasons why Passan remains a prominent and influential voice in baseball journalism. This combination of battlefield reporting, online engagement, and occasional sharp retorts has helped solidify his status as a trusted insider and a compelling figure in the sports media landscape.