In a strategic yet surprising 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 decision underscores the club's strong belief in Wetherholt's potential, despite a turbulent junior year that impacted his draft status.
Wetherholt’s High Expectations
JJ Wetherholt was once in contention for the No. 1 overall spot in the draft, a testament to the high expectations surrounding his talent. Entering the season, he ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and was the focus of considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend posed a significant setback, essentially halving his junior season.
The injury sidelined Wetherholt for nearly two months, limiting his appearances to just 36 games. Despite the reduced playing time, he managed to make a strong impression with a slash line of .331/.472/.589. He showcased his offensive prowess by hitting eight home runs and demonstrating excellent plate discipline with 30 walks compared to 17 strikeouts. Evaluators remain optimistic about his potential, projecting a standout 70-grade on his hit tool, although there are some concerns about his power projections possibly peaking at an average level.
Overcoming Challenges
Wetherholt's ability to overcome the adversity of his junior year has evidently not gone unnoticed. The Cardinals, by selecting him with their first-round pick, have expressed confidence in his ability to not only recover but thrive at the professional level. His selection marks the beginning of his professional career, and it carries significant historical weight as well.
Wetherholt is the first player from West Virginia University to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked pitcher Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, he is WVU's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This accomplishment places Wetherholt in an elite category within the university's baseball history.
The Cardinals' Vision
As for his role with the Cardinals, Wetherholt is expected to solidify their infield defense, with second base being his most likely landing spot. The team’s faith in his abilities speaks volumes about their long-term strategic planning. While concerns about his power remain, his hit tool and defensive capabilities suggest that the Cardinals envision him as a key component of their future infield lineup.
Overall, the selection of JJ Wetherholt by the St. Louis Cardinals is a story of resilience and potential. Despite a challenging junior year marred by injury, Wetherholt’s talent and determination have earned him a coveted spot in the MLB, and his journey is only just beginning. The Cardinals' decision highlights their belief in his capability to overcome setbacks and make significant contributions at the professional level.