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. For those familiar with Wetherholt's journey, this selection underscores a narrative of resilience and promise, capturing the attention of baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Wetherholt, once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, faced a challenging junior year that significantly impacted his draft standing. Entering the season, he carried high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists. Scouts and evaluators were intently focused on him, anticipating a standout season. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend essentially cut his junior year in half, sidelining him for nearly two months. As a result, he was limited to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats.
Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt's performance demonstrated his undeniable talent and potential. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). His impressive numbers showcased his offensive proficiency, despite the limited opportunities to display his skills across a full season.
Evaluators project a 70-grade on Wetherholt's hit tool, a testament to his exceptional batting ability. However, concerns about his power projections have been noted, with some analysts suggesting his in-game power might peak at an average level. These mixed assessments highlight the nuances of his game, balancing his consistent hitting with questions about his long-term power potential.
Defensively, second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot. The Cardinals view his selection as a strategic move to solidify their infield defense. Such confidence in his abilities speaks volumes about his potential impact on the team.
Wetherholt's draft selection is historic for West Virginia University as well. He is the first player from the university to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Furthermore, he is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This milestone underscores the significance of Wetherholt's achievement, highlighting the university's contribution to professional baseball.
The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt’s abilities marks the beginning of his professional career. His journey from a highly-touted high school prospect to overcoming a challenging junior season exemplifies his resilience and determination. The Cardinals' investment in him reflects their belief in his potential to become a key asset for the team.
Wetherholt's story is one of perseverance and potential, a narrative that resonates in the world of sports. As he embarks on his professional journey, the baseball community will be watching closely, eager to see how he fulfills the promise that has been recognized by both scouts and the St. Louis Cardinals.