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. This promising yet challenging selection is set to bolster the Cardinals’ infield defense with Wetherholt’s highly regarded skills and tenacity.
The 21-year-old Wetherholt, who was once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, faced a challenging junior year that ultimately impacted his draft standing. Carrying high expectations, he topped many preseason lists and drew considerable attention from scouts and evaluators across the league. However, a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend effectively cut his season short, sidelining him for nearly two months. This unfortunate turn of events limited him to approximately a half-season’s worth of at-bats.
Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt demonstrated resilience and delivered an impressive performance when he was on the field. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Evaluators have praised his hit tool, projecting it at an impressive 70-grade, although concerns about his power projections have been noted, with in-game power likely peaking at an average level.
The Cardinals’ decision to pick Wetherholt at No. 7 is a testament to their faith in his abilities and potential. Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot, where his skill set is anticipated to shine. The Cardinals see significant potential in his ability to solidify their infield defense, viewing him as a key component in their strategic plan moving forward. It is clear that the organization believes Wetherholt can rise to the occasion and overcome the challenges he faced during his college career.
Wetherholt's selection is historic in its own right. 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. Moreover, Wetherholt stands as West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This distinction not only underscores the significance of his selection but also highlights his achievement and the high regard in which he is held within the baseball community.
As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career, the Cardinals' faith in his abilities speaks volumes about his potential and the high expectations surrounding him. The challenges he faced during his junior year have only added to his story, showcasing his perseverance and determination. The move to select Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick is indicative of the Cardinals’ strategic vision and the promising future they foresee for him within their organization.
In conclusion, JJ Wetherholt’s journey from a promising middle infielder at West Virginia faced with the adversity of injury to a top-10 MLB draft pick exemplifies the resilience and potential that define great athletes. The Cardinals’ investment in Wetherholt signals their belief in his ability to overcome past challenges and emerge as a pivotal player in their lineup. As he steps onto the professional stage, all eyes will be on Wetherholt to see how he harnesses this opportunity to make his mark in Major League Baseball.