In a surprising yet strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals made waves on Sunday night by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft. This selection has certainly raised eyebrows as Wetherholt once stood as a candidate for the coveted No. 1 overall spot.
JJ Wetherholt’s journey to the top of the draft has been anything but smooth. Carrying high expectations into his junior year, the promising infielder ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists, drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators across the country. However, his rise to the draft spotlight was marred by a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend, which sidelined him for nearly two months and effectively cut his junior year in half. Despite this setback, Wetherholt managed an impressive slash line of .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs through 36 games, exhibiting exceptional plate discipline with 30 walks to just 17 strikeouts.
Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on Wetherholt’s hit tool, underscoring his natural talent at the plate. Despite this, concerns about his power projections have been noted, suggesting that his in-game power might only peak at an average level. Such projections have not hindered the Cardinals' vision for Wetherholt, seeing his potential to solidify their infield defense, primarily at second base, which is where he is widely expected to land.
Wetherholt’s selection is significant not only for the Cardinals but also for West Virginia University. He becomes the first player from the institution to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah 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.
The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt’s abilities speaks volumes about his potential to impact the team's future. His resilience and performance, even in the face of adversity, seem to have convinced the Cardinals that his talents justify their high draft choice. As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career, he will carry with him the expectations and hopes of a team looking for defensive stability and a reliable presence at the plate.
While many details about Wetherholt's journey from injury to a top draft pick remain, it's clear that the Cardinals have found in him a player with the resolve and skill to potentially shape their infield for years to come. As the MLB season progresses and Wetherholt begins his journey in the minors, all eyes will be on his development and ability to translate his collegiate success to the professional level.
In closing, the story of JJ Wetherholt serves as a testament to overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities. His rise to the No. 7 pick despite a challenging junior year exemplifies the unpredictable nature of sports and the enduring belief in talent and potential. Baseball fans and analysts alike will keenly watch as Wetherholt takes the next steps in his promising career with the St. Louis Cardinals.