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 candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt’s journey to the seventh pick was marked by both high expectations and significant challenges.
Early Promise and Setbacks
Wetherholt began his junior year at West Virginia with immense promise. He ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and drew considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, his ascent was abruptly halted by a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats. This setback inevitably impacted his draft standing but did not dim the Cardinals' belief in his potential.
Despite the injury, Wetherholt managed to put together an impressive stat line. Over the course of 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, belting eight home runs and demonstrating exceptional plate discipline with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). His performance, even in a limited capacity, spoke volumes about his resilience and skill.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Areas of Development
Evaluators project a 70-grade on Wetherholt's hit tool, highlighting his ability to consistently make contact and get on base. However, there are concerns about his power projections. While he has shown flashes of pop, scouts suggest that his in-game power might peak at an average level. This assessment doesn't diminish his overall value, as the Cardinals see significant potential in his ability to solidify their infield defense.
Second base is considered Wetherholt's likely landing spot. His defensive reliability and offensive prowess give him the tools to make an immediate impact at the professional level. The Cardinals' selection of Wetherholt signals their confidence in his ability to overcome past challenges and thrive in the major leagues.
Historical Significance
Wetherholt's selection is notable not just for his individual potential but also for its historical context. He is 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. Additionally, 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 achievement and the faith the Cardinals have placed in him.
The Road Ahead
While Wetherholt's journey to this point has been fraught with adversity, his selection by the Cardinals marks the beginning of his professional career. The franchise's investment in his talent and character speaks volumes about their belief in his potential. For Wetherholt, this is an opportunity to validate the high expectations set for him and to carve out a successful career at the highest level of the game.
As he transitions to the professional ranks, Wetherholt will be closely watched by those who have followed his journey. His ability to overcome setbacks and deliver under pressure has already been proven, and now he will have the platform to showcase his skills on a larger stage. The Cardinals and their fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how Wetherholt's career unfolds.
In a draft filled with talented prospects, JJ Wetherholt's story stands out as a testament to resilience, skill, and the unwavering belief of those who see greatness in him. The next chapter in his baseball career has just begun, and all eyes will be on him as he strives to meet and exceed the expectations placed upon him.