In a surprising yet strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals have made headlines by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night.
Though once a frontrunner for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt's path to the draft was not without its challenges. The talented infielder faced a difficult junior year that significantly impacted his draft standing. Wetherholt's high expectations were clear, as he ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and drew considerable attention from scouts and evaluators across the league.
A Difficult Junior Year
Wetherholt’s promising season took an unfortunate turn when he sustained a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting him to only about a half-season's worth of at-bats. This setback undoubtedly affected his draft stock, but it didn't deter the Cardinals from recognizing his potential.
Despite the challenges, Wetherholt demonstrated resilience and skill upon his return to the field. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, hitting eight home runs and registering nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). His ability to maintain such impressive numbers even after a major injury is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Scouting Report
Evaluators are particularly enthusiastic about Wetherholt's hit tool, which they project at a 70-grade. Although there are some concerns regarding his power projections, many believe that his in-game power might peak at an average level. Nevertheless, his overall hitting prowess remains a standout attribute.
Defensively, second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot. The Cardinals, valuing his defensive capabilities, believe that Wetherholt has the potential to solidify their infield, adding a layer of reliability and skill to their roster.
Historical Context
Wetherholt's selection is also a significant milestone for West Virginia University. He becomes the first player from WVU to be picked in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays selected Alek Manoah at No. 11 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. These historical markers highlight the immense potential and promise that Wetherholt brings to the Cardinals' organization.
The Cardinals' Investment
The Cardinals' decision to select Wetherholt with their top pick speaks volumes about their belief in his abilities and potential impact. Despite the adversity he faced, they see in him a player who can rise above challenges and contribute significantly to their team's success. Wetherholt’s journey from a preseason favorite to overcoming injury setbacks adds a compelling narrative to his budding professional career.
As Wetherholt embarks on this new chapter, the Cardinals and their fans look forward to witnessing his development and contributions on the field. His blend of offensive capability and defensive promise positions him as a key asset for the team's future, and many around the league will be watching closely to see how this pick pans out.
In conclusion, the St. Louis Cardinals have made a profound statement by drafting JJ Wetherholt, betting on his resilience, skill, and potential to solidify their infield and contribute to their long-term success. This selection not only marks the beginning of a new professional journey for Wetherholt but also reaffirms the Cardinals' dedication to building a formidable and balanced team for the future.