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.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Selection
JJ Wetherholt was once a viable candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, carrying loftier expectations and drawing substantial attention from scouts and evaluators alike. However, his journey to being the Cardinals’ first-round pick was anything but straightforward. Wetherholt faced a tumultuous junior year that significantly impacted his draft standing, ultimately causing him to slide to the seventh pick.
Overcoming Adversity
The high expectations surrounding Wetherholt were evident, as he was ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists. However, a severe hamstring injury during Opening Weekend effectively truncated his junior year, sidelining him for nearly two months. The injury limited him to roughly a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt demonstrated resilience, slashing .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games.
Such a performance is a testament to Wetherholt's skill and determination, qualities that evidently resonated with the Cardinals' scouting team. Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on his hit tool, which indicates a potentially high contact rate at the professional level.
Potential and Projections
While there are concerns regarding Wetherholt's power projections, with some evaluators noting that his in-game power might peak at an average level, his overall abilities cannot be understated. Second base has been identified as Wetherholt's likely defensive home, a position where his skills could be maximized. The Cardinals see immense potential in Wetherholt’s ability to solidify their infield defense, aiming to harness his talent for the greater benefit of the team.
Wetherholt’s selection is historically significant as well, marking him as 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, he is the first first-round position player from West Virginia since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
Looking Ahead
As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career, the Cardinals' faith in his abilities speaks volumes about his potential upside. Despite the challenges faced during his junior year, his skillset and work ethic have positioned him as one of the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft. His journey will undoubtedly be one to follow closely as he transitions from collegiate stardom to professional baseball.
The Cardinals' strategic selection of Wetherholt highlights their commitment to building a robust infield defense while also betting on the high ceiling that Wetherholt possesses. Only time will tell how this young talent will develop, but with his resilience and proven performance, he certainly has the tools to succeed at the next level.