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, but a challenging junior year impacted his draft standing.
Wetherholt carried high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. A serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend essentially cut his junior year in half, sidelining him for nearly two months and limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite the setback, Wetherholt managed to slash .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, marking him as one of the more proficient hitters in this year’s class. However, concerns about his power projections have been noted, with experts suggesting his in-game power might peak at an average level. Nevertheless, the Cardinals see potential in Wetherholt’s ability to solidify their infield defense, which likely influenced their decision.
Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot within the Cardinals' organization. His defensive capabilities and consistent hitting make him a valuable asset, despite his injury-shortened season. The Cardinals’ faith in Wetherholt's abilities speaks volumes about his potential, and they are banking on his full recovery and return to form.
Wetherholt’s selection marks a significant milestone for West Virginia University as he becomes the first player from the school to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Additionally, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
The Cardinals' gamble on Wetherholt, especially given his injury history, underscores their belief in his ceiling as a professional player. His performance prior to his injury showcased a player with excellent plate discipline and contact skills, traits that are highly coveted at the MLB level. His ability to nearly double his walk rate compared to his strikeouts in a truncated season speaks to his keen eye and mature approach at the plate.
While concerns about his long-term power remain, the Cardinals appear optimistic that Wetherholt’s high hit tool will compensate for any potential power deficiencies. His projected offensive contributions, combined with his defensive prowess at second base, suggest that the Cardinals envision him as a key component in their rebuilding efforts.
Wetherholt’s journey from a preseason top prospect to overcoming a significant injury showcases his resilience and determination. As he embarks on his professional career, the Cardinals organization and its fans will be watching closely, hopeful that his collegiate success translates to the major leagues. The faith the Cardinals have placed in Wetherholt highlights the importance of scouting and player development in building a competitive team.
In conclusion, JJ Wetherholt’s selection by the St. Louis Cardinals at No. 7 in the 2024 MLB draft represents both a gamble and a testament to the player’s potential. With his exceptional hitting tools and defensive skills, the Cardinals are banking on Wetherholt to solidify their infield and contribute significantly in the coming years. His journey will be one to watch as he aims to make his mark in the major leagues.