In a surprising yet strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals made headlines by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft Sunday night. This choice not only marks a significant moment for the Cardinals but also shines a spotlight on Wetherholt’s journey to this point.
Once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt saw his draft standing fluctuate due to a challenging junior year. High expectations surrounded him, with many preseason lists ranking him No. 1, drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend of his junior year sidelined him for nearly two months, effectively cutting his season in half and limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats.
Despite the setback, Wetherholt's performance in the 36 games he played was nothing short of impressive. He slashed .331/.472/.589, hit eight home runs, and demonstrated exceptional plate discipline by drawing nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, indicating a strong future at the plate, though there are lingering concerns about his power projections, with some believing his in-game power might peak at an average level.
Primary Position and Potential
Second base seems to be Wetherholt's likely landing spot, where the Cardinals believe he can significantly solidify their infield defense. His selection marks him as the first player from West Virginia University to be picked in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays selected Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, 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' choice to draft Wetherholt speaks volumes about their faith in his abilities. His selection is not only a testament to his resilience and talent but also an indication of the potential the Cardinals see in him to contribute significantly to their team dynamics.
New Beginnings
Wetherholt's journey from being a top-rated prospect to battling through an injury-riddled season to finally being picked by a storied franchise like the Cardinals is noteworthy. His professional career begins now, and the faith the Cardinals have shown in his abilities underscores the high ceiling many evaluators see in him.
The coming years will test his adaptability and growth as he transitions to the professional arena, but if his college career is any indication, JJ Wetherholt is poised to meet those challenges head-on with the same determination and skill that have defined his journey so far.
Conclusion
Although Wetherholt's draft journey saw unexpected twists and turns, the St. Louis Cardinals’ confident selection of him at No. 7 could very well be a masterstroke. As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career, all eyes will be on him to see whether he can realize the potential that scouts and evaluators have so clearly seen. The Cardinals and their fans no doubt hope that this surprising pick turns into a cornerstone of their future success.