In a surprising yet strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft Sunday night. This selection has generated considerable buzz in the baseball community, as Wetherholt was once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot.
Wetherholt came into his junior year carrying high expectations. He ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and drew significant attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a challenging junior year impacted his draft standing. A serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend sidelined him for nearly two months, cutting his season nearly in half. Despite this setback, he managed to slash .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games.
Evaluators project a 70-grade on Wetherholt’s hit tool, an indication of his potential at the plate. Nonetheless, there are concerns about his power projections, with some experts suggesting that his in-game power might peak at an average level. Despite these concerns, the Cardinals see immense potential in Wetherholt's abilities.
Wetherholt’s resilience and performance in the face of adversity impressed many, including the Cardinals' front office. His ability to maintain a high level of play even after a significant injury speaks volumes about his work ethic and determination. The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt’s abilities suggests they believe he can solidify their infield defense and make a meaningful impact on their roster.
A Historic Pick for West Virginia University
Wetherholt’s selection is historic for West Virginia University (WVU) as well. He is the first player from WVU to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, Wetherholt is WVU's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This achievement underscores Wetherholt’s talent and the significant impression he made during his collegiate career.
Looking Forward
As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career, the Cardinals are hopeful that he will overcome concerns about his power projections and become a valuable asset to their team. With second base seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot, the Cardinals envision him as a key figure in their infield for years to come.
This move demonstrates the Cardinals' strategic approach in the draft, showing a willingness to look beyond immediate challenges and focus on long-term potential. By investing in a player like Wetherholt, who has shown remarkable resilience and skill, the Cardinals are sending a clear message about their commitment to building a strong and dynamic roster.
In summary, JJ Wetherholt’s journey from a highly touted prospect to overcoming a challenging junior year to being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Both Wetherholt and the Cardinals are poised for what promises to be a mutually beneficial relationship, with high hopes for the future.