In a strategic and somewhat unexpected move, the St. Louis Cardinals have selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. This decision underscores the Cardinals' confidence in Wetherholt's potential, despite a challenging junior year that saw him drop from being a top contender for the No. 1 overall spot.
A Season Marred by Injury
Entering the 2024 season, Wetherholt was a name on everyone's lips. He headed into his junior year at West Virginia carrying lofty expectations, ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists, and under intense scrutiny from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend dealt a significant blow to his season. This injury effectively cut his junior year in half, sidelining him for nearly two months and limiting him to about a half-season's worth of at-bats.
Despite the setback, Wetherholt showcased his resilience and talent. He posted an impressive slash line of .331/.472/.589 over 36 games, demonstrating his ability to perform even under less-than-ideal circumstances. With eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17), Wetherholt's offensive stats reflect his disciplined approach at the plate.
Scouting Report: High Marks and Concerns
Evaluators have been particularly impressed with Wetherholt's hit tool, projecting it at a 70-grade. This high mark signifies Wetherholt's potential to be an above-average hitter at the professional level. However, there are some concerns regarding his power projections. While his game-time power might peak at an average level, it is not considered a detriment to his overall capability as a hitter.
Defensively, Wetherholt is expected to find his primary position at second base. His selection marks a significant milestone as 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. Furthermore, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was selected No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
A New Beginning with the Cardinals
The Cardinals' decision to draft Wetherholt signals their belief in his potential to solidify their infield defense. His journey from a highly-touted prospect grappling with an untimely injury to being a top-10 MLB Draft pick speaks volumes about his skill, determination, and the faith the Cardinals have in his future contributions to the team.
Wetherholt now embarks on his professional career, carrying with him the lessons and experiences of his collegiate years. The Cardinals' confidence in his abilities suggests that they foresee a bright future for him in their roster.
This pick not only highlights the Cardinals' strategic acumen but also sets the stage for Wetherholt to develop and potentially excel at the highest levels of baseball. His journey will be one to watch as he transitions from college standout to professional athlete, aiming to live up to the high expectations set for him both by himself and those who have followed his career closely.