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. Wetherholt was once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, carrying high expectations and ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists. Scouts and evaluators had their eyes on him, noting his potential and skillset. However, a challenging junior year and a significant hamstring injury impacted his draft standing.
During Opening Weekend of his junior year, Wetherholt sustained a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him for nearly two months, essentially cutting his season in half. Despite the injury limiting him to approximately a half-season’s worth of at-bats, he still managed to slash an impressive .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, reflecting his exceptional batting capabilities, although concerns about his power projections have been noted, with expectations that his in-game power might peak at an average level.
Wetherholt's Path to the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ selection of Wetherholt highlights their faith in his abilities and potential, underscoring their belief that he can solidify their infield defense. Second base is seen as Wetherholt’s likely landing spot, given his skillset and defensive acumen. Despite the injury setbacks, the Cardinals are convinced of his capacity to contribute significantly to their roster.
Wetherholt’s journey to the first round is notable; he is the first player from West Virginia University to be selected 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 selection since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
Potential and Prospects
The Cardinals’ decision to pick Wetherholt at No. 7 demonstrates their commitment to building a robust and promising lineup. His high-ranking position on preseason lists and the considerable attention from scouts and evaluators speak volumes about his potential. Even with the hamstring injury overshadowing his junior year, Wetherholt’s performance in the games he did play revealed his resilience and talent.
With a slash line of .331/.472/.589 and notable on-base skills reflected in his high walk rate, Wetherholt has demonstrated an advanced approach at the plate. This, coupled with a projected 70-grade hit tool, makes him a valuable asset for the Cardinals. His ability to maintain a strong batting performance despite limited at-bats points to a high ceiling in his professional career.
Challenges and Resilience
Wetherholt's junior year was indeed challenging, but his response to adversity has been commendable. The injury could have derailed his season entirely, yet he managed to impress in the games he played. The fact that scouts and evaluators continued to rank him highly even after the injury underscores their belief in his underlying talent and potential for growth.
Concerns about his power projections remain, with some evaluators suggesting his in-game power might peak at an average level. However, Wetherholt’s overall hitting ability, discipline at the plate, and defensive skills make him a well-rounded prospect. Second base seems to be his most likely position moving forward, where his range and agility can be maximized.
As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career with the Cardinals, the organization’s faith in his abilities speaks to their strategic planning and eye for talent. His selection marks a significant milestone in his career, and it will be fascinating to watch how he develops and contributes to the Cardinals’ aspirations in the coming seasons.
In sum, JJ Wetherholt's journey to the MLB has been marked by promise, adversity, and resilience. The St. Louis Cardinals have made a calculated bet on his potential, and if his college performance is any indication, Wetherholt could very well be a cornerstone of their infield for years to come.