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.
Wetherholt’s Rollercoaster Junior Year
Once a contender for the No. 1 overall pick, Wetherholt's journey to the seventh selection has been marked by a series of highs and lows. Coming into the season, Wetherholt carried immense expectations, ranking No. 1 on numerous preseason lists and attracting significant attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a challenging junior year altered the trajectory of his draft standing.
The infielder faced a serious setback when a hamstring injury during Opening Weekend effectively cut his junior year in half. Sidelined for nearly two months, Wetherholt was limited to a fraction of the season's at-bats, appearing in just 36 games. Despite these limitations, he managed to produce an impressive slash line of .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17).
Solidifying the Infield
Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on Wetherholt's hit tool, highlighting his potential to become a formidable offensive player. However, some concerns about his power projections remain, with experts suggesting his in-game power might peak at an average level. Wetherholt’s defensive prowess is notable, with second base seen as his likely landing spot. The Cardinals are hopeful that his selection will help solidify their infield defense, underscoring their faith in his abilities and potential.
Historical Significance
Wetherholt’s selection bears historical significance for West Virginia University. He is the first player from the institution to be chosen 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 selected No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
A New Chapter with the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ decision to draft Wetherholt speaks volumes about their belief in his potential and future contributions to the team. His selection marks the beginning of his professional career, a pivotal moment that both he and the organization will look to build upon. While his junior year presented challenges, the resilience and talent showcased by Wetherholt have earned him the opportunity to embark on this new chapter with the St. Louis Cardinals.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Wetherholt as he transitions from collegiate baseball to the professional arena, carrying with him the high expectations and aspirations of his new team and the legacy of West Virginia University’s baseball program.