In a surprising yet strategic decision, the St. Louis Cardinals selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft Sunday night. The choice highlights both the team's foresight and Wetherholt's enduring potential, despite a challenging junior year that affected his draft standing.
JJ Wetherholt emerged as a highly anticipated talent, once even considered for the No. 1 overall spot. He carried high expectations into the season, having ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. Such promising projections took a hit, however, when Wetherholt faced a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend. This severe injury essentially cut his junior year in half, sidelining him for nearly two months and limiting him to roughly half a season's worth of at-bats.
Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt's performance on the diamond remained notable. He slashed .331/.472/.589 over 36 games, hitting eight home runs and showcasing an impressive plate discipline with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on his hit tool, underscoring his hitting prowess. However, there are concerns about his power projections, with some suggesting that his in-game power might peak at an average level.
Wetherholt's defensive skills have also been a topic of discussion. Many view second base as his likely landing spot given his attributes and range. The Cardinals, looking to solidify their infield defense, evidently see potential in Wetherholt's capabilities to fill that role effectively.
His selection is historically significant for West Virginia University, making Wetherholt the first player from the institution to be chosen in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, he is WVU's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was picked No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career, the Cardinals' faith in his abilities speaks volumes about his potential. Although injuries have hampered his path to this point, his perseverance and performance under pressure reveal a player with substantial promise. The Cardinals, banking on his talent and growth, have made a calculated gamble that could pay off significantly in the seasons to come.
In selecting Wetherholt, the Cardinals have demonstrated their commitment to building a robust and versatile infield. Wetherholt's journey from a highly-touted prospect to overcoming adversity showcases the resilience and tenacity that could make him a cornerstone of the Cardinals' future success. His story will be closely watched as he takes the next steps in his baseball career, aiming to fulfill the expectations set before his untimely injury.