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.
Wetherholt was once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, carrying high expectations and ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists. Scouts and evaluators were virtually unanimous in their recognition of his potential. However, his journey to the draft was anything but smooth.
A serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend of his junior year essentially cut his season in half, sidelining him for nearly two months. This setback unquestionably impacted his draft standing. Despite this, Wetherholt demonstrated resilience, returning to the field and managing a season that revealed his talent. Limited to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats, he slashed .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games.
A Credentials Solidified
Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, a testament to his refined batting skills. However, concerns still linger about his power projections. While his in-game power might peak at an average level, his ability to get on base and his discipline at the plate are obvious strengths. This makes him a valuable asset, particularly in the lower half of a batting order.
Wetherholt's defensive capabilities also play a significant role in his profile as a player. Second base is viewed as his most likely position, where his agility and defensive acumen could provide stability to any infield. The Cardinals see particular promise in his ability to bolster their infield defense.
Historical Significance
Wetherholt's selection is historic for West Virginia University. He is the first player from West Virginia to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, he is the Mountaineers' first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
This selection marks the beginning of Wetherholt's professional career, a milestone that he and the Cardinals both anticipate with cautious optimism. The Cardinals' faith in his abilities speaks volumes about his potential and the role he is expected to play in the organization's future.
Future Prospects
The Cardinals have strategically picked a player who, despite facing adversity, showcased the tenacity and skill to compete at a high level. Wetherholt's journey from potential No. 1 draft pick to overcoming injury and proving his worth is a narrative that resonates in the world of sports. His perseverance and high baseball IQ suggest a promising career ahead, one where he can develop further and potentially exceed initial expectations.
As JJ Wetherholt embarks on this new chapter, the baseball community will undoubtedly keep a close watch on his progress. His past achievements, combined with his resilience in the face of setbacks, position him as a player with the potential to make a significant impact on Major League Baseball. The Cardinals, recognizing this potential, have invested in a player who could very well become a cornerstone of their infield in the years to come.