In a move that caught many by surprise yet carried unmistakable strategic intent, the St. Louis Cardinals tapped West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft Sunday night. Wetherholt, who harbored aspirations of the No. 1 overall spot, experienced a rollercoaster junior year that ultimately impacted his draft standing.
A Promising Prospect
Heading into the season, Wetherholt was a name to watch. Ranked No. 1 on numerous preseason lists, the talented infielder attracted significant attention from scouts and evaluators, who projected a highly promising career ahead. However, the path to the draft was anything but smooth for Wetherholt, whose junior year faced an abrupt challenge: a severe hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend.
The injury sidelined Wetherholt for nearly two months, curtailing his season to roughly a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite the time missed, Wetherholt managed to put up impressive numbers, slashing .331/.472/.589, belting eight home runs, and demonstrating remarkable plate discipline with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. His performance, even in a limited capacity, showcased his resilience and potential.
An Elite Hit Tool
Evaluators have been particularly high on Wetherholt's hit tool, projecting it at a 70-grade, a noteworthy assessment that underscores his proficiency at the plate. However, concerns about his power projections linger. Despite his solid statistical line, there’s speculation that his in-game power might max out at an average level. These observations likely contributed to his slightly lower draft placement than originally anticipated.
Nonetheless, Wetherholt’s defensive prowess and consistency as a hitter make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ lineup. The organization sees a bright future for Wetherholt, especially in solidifying their infield defense. With second base viewed as his most probable landing spot, his skills are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s defensive strategy.
A Historical Pick for West Virginia
With his selection, JJ Wetherholt carved out a unique place in West Virginia University’s history. He became the first player from the institution to be drafted in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays selected pitcher Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. More notably, he is the first position player from West Virginia to secure a first-round spot since Joseph Honce was taken No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins back in 1973.
Amidst these accolades, the Cardinals' belief in Wetherholt's capabilities speaks volumes. By choosing him with the No. 7 pick, St. Louis emphasized their confidence in his ability to overcome past challenges and develop into a cornerstone player. Wetherholt’s transition from college standout to professional ranks signifies the beginning of what many predict will be an illustrious career.
The Cardinals’ faith in his abilities and potential suggests that Wetherholt’s story is far from over. His journey, marked by perseverance and standout performances, has only just begun.