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. Once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt faced a challenging junior year that impacted his draft standing.
The Expectations
Wetherholt carried high expectations into his junior season, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. His refined skills and high baseball IQ had many pegging him as a top-tier prospect. However, the season took an unexpected turn when a serious hamstring injury derailed his progress.
The Injury
The injury was sustained during Opening Weekend, a blow to both his college team and his draft aspirations. Sidelined for nearly two months, Wetherholt's time on the field was significantly reduced, limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite these setbacks, he managed to showcase his ability during the time he was active, slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs over 36 games. His plate discipline was notable, with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17).
Scouting Report
Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, indicative of a potentially elite ability to make contact. However, there have been some concerns regarding his power projections. While his in-game power might peak at an average level, his overall versatility and defensive prowess remain strong selling points. Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot, a position where the Cardinals see potential in his ability to solidify their infield defense.
A Historic Selection
Wetherholt's selection is noteworthy for several reasons. He is the first player from West Virginia University to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Furthermore, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
The Road Ahead
The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt's abilities speaks volumes about his potential. His selection marks the beginning of his professional career, providing him with the platform to develop and refine his skills further. Despite the challenges of his junior year, Wetherholt's resilience and performance during limited playtime have demonstrated his capability to overcome adversity and shine on the big stage.
The Cardinals' decision to draft Wetherholt at the No. 7 spot underscores their belief in his potential to contribute significantly to their future success. As Wetherholt transitions from collegiate to professional baseball, all eyes will be on him to see how he harnesses his talents and adapts to the new level of competition. The journey from a highly-touted prospect to a key player for the Cardinals begins now, and it promises to be one worth watching.
In summary, JJ Wetherholt's drafting by the St. Louis Cardinals is a testament to both his proven skills and his potential for growth. While injury may have interrupted his junior year, his performance when healthy and the confidence shown by the Cardinals suggest a bright future ahead.