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. Once a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt saw his draft standing impacted by a challenging junior year, which included a significant injury that sidelined him for nearly two months.
High Expectations and Setbacks
Wetherholt entered his junior year carrying high expectations. He ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and drew considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend effectively cut his season in half, limiting him to approximately half a season's worth of at-bats. Despite this, Wetherholt managed to put up impressive numbers, slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games.
Scouting Report
Evaluators project a 70-grade on Wetherholt's hit tool, highlighting his strong contact ability. However, there are some concerns regarding his power projections, with his in-game power potentially peaking at an average level. Despite these concerns, Wetherholt's overall skill set makes him a valuable addition to any lineup. Second base is seen as his likely landing spot in the infield, where he can utilize his defensive capabilities to solidify the Cardinals' infield defense.
Historical Significance
Wetherholt's selection is historic for West Virginia University. He is the first player from WVU to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This milestone underscores the significance of his selection and the potential he brings to the professional stage.
The Cardinals' Vision
The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt's abilities speaks volumes about his potential. Despite the setback of his injury, the team clearly sees a player who can contribute significantly to their future success. With Wetherholt beginning his professional career, the Cardinals believe he can become a cornerstone of their infield defense and provide stability for years to come.
While concerns about his power persist, the overall projection for Wetherholt remains highly optimistic. The combination of his impressive hitting tool and defensive prowess makes him a valuable asset. Cardinals fans will be eager to see how Wetherholt adjusts to professional baseball and contributes to the team’s quest for success.
In conclusion, the Cardinals' selection of JJ Wetherholt at No. 7 in the 2024 MLB draft is a statement of belief in his abilities and a bet on his potential to overcome past challenges. As he embarks on his professional journey, all eyes will be on him to see if he can live up to the high expectations that surrounded him in his college career. For St. Louis, the hope is that Wetherholt will not only solidify their infield defense but also become an integral part of their future successes.