In a move that has both surprised and excited baseball enthusiasts, the St. Louis Cardinals made a bold decision during the 2024 MLB draft by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick. Wetherholt, once pegged as a potential No. 1 overall pick, saw his draft standing shift due to a challenging junior year. However, the Cardinals remain confident in his abilities and see tremendous potential in the talented player.
A Promising Yet Challenging Junior Year
Wetherholt entered the 2024 season with high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists. Scouts and evaluators were closely monitoring his performance. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend drastically altered the trajectory of his season. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting his playing time and reducing his opportunities at bat.
Despite the setback, Wetherholt managed to demonstrate his potential when he got back on the field. Over the course of 36 games, he showcased his skills by slashing .331/.472/.589, hitting eight home runs, and maintaining an impressive walk-to-strikeout ratio with 30 walks to 17 strikeouts. Evaluators have given Wetherholt a 70-grade on his hit tool, highlighting his ability to consistently make contact with the ball.
Concerns and Projections
While Wetherholt's hitting prowess has been lauded, there have been concerns about his power projections. Although his in-game power might only reach an average level, his overall ability as a hitter and fielder remains promising. Evaluators believe that second base is the most likely position for Wetherholt, where he can make significant contributions to his team's defense.
His selection by the Cardinals makes him the first player from West Virginia University to be chosen in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Furthermore, Wetherholt becomes West Virginia’s first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was selected No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
The Cardinals' Vision and Faith
The Cardinals' decision to draft Wetherholt underscores their belief in his ability to solidify their infield defense. His selection marks the start of his professional career, and the Cardinals' faith in his potential speaks volumes about their assessment of his talents. Wetherholt's journey from high expectations, through injury adversity, to becoming a top draft pick highlights his resilience and determination.
As JJ Wetherholt embarks on this new chapter in his baseball career, the Cardinals and their fans will be eagerly watching his development. If his past performances are any indication, Wetherholt has the skills and drive to overcome challenges and make a significant impact at the professional level. His story continues to unfold, and his future in Major League Baseball looks bright.