In a surprising yet strategic 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, made on Sunday night, underscores the organization's confidence in Wetherholt despite some recent challenges that have impacted his draft standing.
Wetherholt, once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, faced a challenging junior year that derailed his high expectations. Ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing significant attention from scouts and evaluators, Wetherholt seemed poised for a remarkable season. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend dramatically altered his trajectory.
The injury sidelined Wetherholt for nearly two months, limiting him to approximately a half-season’s worth of at-bats. Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt 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. This performance highlights his resilience and remarkable talent in the face of adversity.
Wetherholt's Skill Set
Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on Wetherholt’s hit tool, indicating his exceptional ability to connect with the ball. However, there are some concerns regarding his power projections. While his overall hitting ability is highly regarded, there is a consensus that his in-game power might peak at an average level. This assessment suggests that while he may not become a home run leader, his consistent hitting could make him a valuable asset for any team.
Position and Projections
Second base is seen as Wetherholt’s likely landing spot in the majors. The Cardinals' organization evidently sees potential in his ability to solidify their infield defense, an area they have been looking to bolster. Wetherholt's defensive prowess and strong hitting could provide the Cardinals with a reliable presence in the middle of their infield.
Wetherholt's selection marks a significant milestone for West Virginia University as well. 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, he is WVU's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt’s abilities speaks volumes about his potential. His selection not only marks the beginning of his professional career but also reflects the high regard in which he is held by those within the organization. Despite the challenges he faced during his junior year, Wetherholt’s talent and resilience have earned him a place at the professional level, indicating a bright future ahead.
In summary, the St. Louis Cardinals' decision to pick JJ Wetherholt with their No. 7 draft selection is a testament to his skill, determination, and potential. As he embarks on his professional baseball career, all eyes will certainly be on Wetherholt to see how he can contribute to the Cardinals' future success and solidify their infield defense.