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. The decision to draft Wetherholt comes with both excitement and a story marked by resilience and potential.
Wetherholt was once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, a testament to his exceptional abilities and the high expectations that surrounded him. Heading into his junior year, he ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists, drawing significant attention from scouts and evaluators.
However, the trajectory of his year took a dramatic turn when he sustained a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend. This unfortunate event cut his junior season in half and sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting him to approximately a half-season’s worth of at-bats. Despite this setback, Wetherholt managed to impress with his performance on the field.
In the 36 games he played, Wetherholt slashed .331/.472/.589, demonstrating his hitting prowess with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). His ability to maintain such a strong performance despite his limited playtime speaks volumes about his talent and determination. Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, highlighting his potential as a standout hitter at the professional level.
While there are some concerns about his power projections, with in-game power potentially peaking at an average level, Wetherholt’s overall skill set remains impressive. His selection by the Cardinals underscores the organization’s belief in his ability to solidify their infield defense and contribute to the team’s future success.
Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot, where his defensive skills and hitting ability can be maximized. His selection marks a significant milestone for West Virginia University, as he becomes the first player from the school 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 first first-round position player from West Virginia since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
The Cardinals' confidence in Wetherholt is a clear indication of his potential to make an impact at the major league level. His journey from facing adversity due to injury to becoming a top-10 pick in the MLB draft is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and talent. As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career, all eyes will be on how he continues to develop and contribute to the Cardinals' future successes.
In the end, the Cardinals’ choice to draft Wetherholt signifies more than just adding another player to their roster. It reflects their strategic vision and faith in Wetherholt’s abilities to become a key part of their infield and a valuable asset to their organization moving forward. With his career just beginning, JJ Wetherholt has the potential to leave a lasting mark on the game and solidify his place as one of baseball’s promising talents.