In a surprising yet strategic maneuver, the St. Louis Cardinals made waves by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night. Wetherholt, who had previously been a contender for the No. 1 overall spot, faced a challenging junior year that significantly influenced his draft placement.
At the start of the season, high expectations surrounded Wetherholt. He was ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and garnered substantial attention from scouts and evaluators. His promising outlook took a hit when a serious hamstring injury, sustained during Opening Weekend, sidelined him for nearly two months. The injury dramatically cut his junior year short, limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats.
Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt posted impressive statistics in the games he played. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, hitting eight home runs and demonstrating extraordinary plate discipline with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on his hit tool, signifying his elite potential at the plate.
Power Concerns and Positional Projection
While Wetherholt's hitting prowess is unquestionable, concerns have been raised about his power projections. Evaluators suggest that his in-game power might top out at an average level, which adds a layer of uncertainty to his overall offensive impact. Nevertheless, his ability to get on base consistently and his defensive skills make him a valuable asset.
Defensively, experts see second base as Wetherholt's likely landing spot in the major leagues. The Cardinals, recognizing his potential to solidify their infield defense, took a calculated risk in drafting him, betting on his ability to overcome his injury woes and develop into a cornerstone player for their franchise.
Historic Selection for West Virginia
Wetherholt's draft selection is a momentous occasion for West Virginia University. He becomes the first player from the university 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 the first first-round position player from West Virginia since Joseph Honce was drafted No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
This historical context underscores the significance of Wetherholt's journey and highlights the development of West Virginia's baseball program in producing high-caliber talent. His selection will undoubtedly inspire future Mountaineers and elevate the university's reputation in the baseball community.
The Cardinals' Vision
The Cardinals' decision to draft Wetherholt reflects their faith in his abilities and potential. By investing a high draft pick in him, they signal a strong belief that he can not only recover fully from his injury but also excel at the professional level. The Cardinals' organization likely envisions Wetherholt as a pivotal part of their future, with the ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Wetherholt's journey from facing a significant injury to becoming a top-10 draft pick is a testament to his resilience and talent. As he embarks on his professional career, all eyes will be on his development and how he transitions to the demands of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals' gamble on Wetherholt may very well pay off, solidifying their infield and injecting young talent into their roster.
The upcoming years will reveal whether Wetherholt can overcome the challenges that hampered his junior year and fulfill the sky-high expectations set for him. If he can, the Cardinals will have secured a remarkable talent at a pivotal point in his career.