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. Once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt's journey to this point has been both promising and challenging.
Wetherholt faced a junior year that tested his resilience and draft standing. Heading into the season, he carried high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats.
Despite this setback, Wetherholt's performance remained impressive. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, though concerns about his power projections have been noted. Wetherholt's in-game power might peak at an average level, making second base his likely landing spot.
The Cardinals' decision to select Wetherholt speaks volumes about their faith in his abilities. His potential to solidify their infield defense played a crucial role in their choice. Wetherholt 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. Additionally, he is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
For Wetherholt, being selected by the Cardinals marks the beginning of his professional career. The team sees tremendous potential in him, both offensively and defensively. His ability to overcome the challenges of his junior year and still perform at a high level is a testament to his resilience and determination. The Cardinals believe that with careful development, Wetherholt can become a cornerstone of their infield.
Wetherholt's selection by the Cardinals is a strategic move that combines both talent and potential. His journey from being the top-ranked preseason player to overcoming an injury-plagued junior year and still securing a top-10 draft spot is a remarkable story of perseverance and skill. As he embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Wetherholt to see how he can develop and contribute to the future success of the St. Louis Cardinals.
The confidence shown by the Cardinals in selecting Wetherholt at No. 7 is a reflection of his potential to impact their roster. The young infielder's ability to hit for average, coupled with his strong defensive skills, makes him a valuable asset for the team. Though concerns about his power remain, Wetherholt's overall skill set and work ethic provide a promising foundation for his growth as a professional player.
As Wetherholt begins his journey with the Cardinals, he carries with him the hopes and expectations of both the organization and West Virginia University. His selection is a milestone, not just for himself, but for the university, marking their continued presence in producing high-caliber MLB talent. Wetherholt's story is one of resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a player to watch in the coming years.