In a surprising yet strategic 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 on Sunday night. This decision marks a significant step for both Wetherholt and the Cardinals, with the young infielder once being touted as a potential No. 1 overall pick.
Wetherholt’s drafting is particularly noteworthy given the challenges he faced during his junior year, challenges that undoubtedly impacted his draft standing. Once a top prospect, Wetherholt saw his stock drop due to a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend. This injury sidelined him for nearly two months, effectively cutting his season in half and limiting him to approximately a half-season’s worth of at-bats. Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt impressed with a slash line of .331/.472/.589, eight home runs, and a nearly two-to-one walk-to-strikeout ratio over 36 games.
High Expectations Amid Adversity
Coming into the season, Wetherholt carried high expectations. He was ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists, drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators who were enamored with his ability. His impressive 70-grade hit tool underscores this potential, although there are some concerns regarding his power projections.
Evaluators suggest that Wetherholt’s in-game power might only reach an average level, a metric that likely contributed to his dip in the draft. Nonetheless, his offensive prowess and defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset, particularly at second base, which experts believe will be his primary position in the major leagues.
A Historic Milestone for West Virginia
Wetherholt's selection is also a significant milestone for West Virginia University. He becomes the first player from the university to be selected in the first round since Alek Manoah was picked by the Toronto Blue Jays at No. 11 in 2019. Moreover, Wetherholt is the first first-round position player from West Virginia since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This feat highlights the growing prominence of West Virginia's baseball program on the national stage.
The Cardinals' Vision
The St. Louis Cardinals’ decision to draft Wetherholt speaks volumes about their faith in his abilities and potential. The organization sees him as a key player who can solidify their infield defense. With Wetherholt now beginning his professional career, the Cardinals are optimistic about the impact he can make at the major league level.
The move to pick Wetherholt at No. 7 underscores the Cardinals' strategic approach in the draft. Despite the hamstring injury and subsequent challenges, the team recognized Wetherholt’s potential to grow and contribute significantly in the future. His standout college statistics and the accolades he garnered from evaluators indicate that St. Louis may have secured a gem in this year’s draft.
As JJ Wetherholt embarks on his professional journey, he carries with him the high hopes of an organization and the pride of a university. His journey to the major leagues will be closely watched by both fans and scouts eager to see if he can transform his college success into a flourishing MLB career.
The St. Louis Cardinals' bold move to draft Wetherholt at No. 7 may prove to be a masterstroke in the coming years, reflecting not only their belief in Wetherholt’s abilities but also their commitment to identifying and nurturing future talents.