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. This decision has stirred conversations across the baseball community, especially considering Wetherholt was once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot.
Wetherholt's journey to this point has been anything but smooth. His junior year, laden with challenges, significantly impacted his draft standing. Entering the season, Wetherholt carried high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend sidelined him for nearly two months, essentially cutting his junior year in half.
The injury limited Wetherholt to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats, yet his performance in those games was notable. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs, and accumulated nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Despite the injury, evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, showcasing his potential to make consistent contact at the plate.
However, concerns about his power projections have been noted. While Wetherholt is seen as a player with solid hitting skills, his in-game power might peak at an average level. This consideration has led many to view second base as Wetherholt's likely landing spot in the infield, a position where his defensive prowess can shine.
Wetherholt's selection also carries historical significance for West Virginia University. He is the first player from the institution to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Additionally, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
The Cardinals see potential in Wetherholt's ability to solidify their infield defense. This marks the beginning of his professional career, a journey that promises to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt's abilities speaks volumes about his potential, despite the setbacks he's faced.
As the Cardinals gear up for the upcoming season, integrating a player like Wetherholt into their roster could prove pivotal. His ability to overcome adversity and perform at a high level positions him as a promising asset for the team. The task now lies in his development and transition to the major leagues, where his success will ultimately validate the Cardinals' strategic move in the 2024 MLB draft.
While only time will tell how Wetherholt’s career will unfold, one thing remains certain: his journey to the MLB is a testament to his resilience, skill, and the unwavering belief of the St. Louis Cardinals in his potential. Baseball enthusiasts will be eagerly watching as JJ Wetherholt takes his first steps onto the professional stage.