In a strategic move that took many by surprise, the St. Louis Cardinals selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft Sunday night. A pick that suggests the Cardinals see substantial potential in Wetherholt, despite a challenging junior year that saw his draft stock fall.
A Promising Start Turned Challenging
Once considered a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt's journey to the seventh pick was anything but smooth. Heading into the season, he was ranked No. 1 on several preseason lists, drawing significant attention from scouts and evaluators who were eager to see him in action. However, his junior year took an unexpected turn as a serious hamstring injury struck during Opening Weekend.
This injury, which sidelined him for nearly two months, essentially cut his junior season in half and limited him to around half a season's worth of at-bats. The injury undoubtedly impacted his draft standing, but it also framed his resilience and determination, showcasing his ability to bounce back and perform under pressure.
Impressive Performance Despite Adversity
Despite his limited playtime, Wetherholt managed to slash an impressive .331/.472/.589, belting out eight home runs and displaying excellent plate discipline with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. These statistics underscore his robust hit tool, which evaluators have projected as a 70-grade, indicating an elite ability to make consistent, high-quality contact with the ball.
However, not all assessments were entirely glowing. There were some concerns about Wetherholt's power projections. While he demonstrated in-game power, evaluators have suggested that his power might peak at an average level. This nuanced view puts his future role into perspective, identifying second base as his likely landing spot—a position where his defensive abilities will be highly valued.
A Historic Selection
Wetherholt's selection is historic. He becomes the first player from West Virginia University to be chosen in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Additionally, he is the university's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was selected No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins back in 1973. These milestones highlight the significance of his accomplishment and the development of the baseball program at West Virginia University.
The Cardinals' Vision
In selecting Wetherholt, the Cardinals appear to be investing in both potential and immediate defensive solidity. His high defensive abilities, combined with a refined hitting approach, make him a promising candidate to strengthen their infield. The Cardinals' faith in his abilities underscores their belief in his potential to make a significant impact at the professional level.
A New Beginning
While the path to the draft was fraught with challenges, Wetherholt’s selection marks the beginning of his professional career. The trust placed in him by the Cardinals speaks volumes about their confidence in his skills and character. As he steps onto the professional stage, the baseball world will be watching closely to see how this next chapter in his career unfolds.
JJ Wetherholt’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and the belief that even in the face of adversity, excellence prevails. The Cardinals' strategic choice echoes their commitment to building a future grounded in both skill and potential, setting the stage for a promising journey ahead for Wetherholt.