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 on Sunday night. This choice underscores the Cardinals' confidence in Wetherholt's potential, even after a challenging junior year that impacted his draft standing.
Wetherholt was once a frontrunner for the No. 1 overall spot, carrying high expectations and ranking at the top on many preseason lists. Scouts and evaluators had their eyes set on him, making his journey to the seventh pick all the more intriguing. However, the trajectory of his junior year took an unexpected turn when a serious hamstring injury essentially cut his season in half.
The injury, sustained during Opening Weekend, sidelined Wetherholt for nearly two months. This limited his opportunities on the field, restricting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite this setback, Wetherholt managed to impress in his limited playing time, slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games.
Evaluators project a 70-grade on Wetherholt's hit tool, highlighting his impressive batting capabilities. However, there remain concerns about his power projections, with some suggesting that his in-game power might peak at an average level. His ability to hit consistently and effectively positions him as a valuable asset going forward.
Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot. This perspective aligns with the Cardinals' vision of solidifying their infield defense, an area where Wetherholt can potentially make a significant impact. His selection marks the beginning of his professional career, during which he will have the chance to develop his skills further and prove his worth.
Wetherholt's selection is not only a milestone for him personally but also a moment of historical significance for West Virginia University. He is the first player from the university to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, he is West Virginia's first first-round position player 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. Despite the injury setbacks and concerns about his power, the organization believes in his skillset enough to make him a top-ten pick. This move reflects their strategic thinking and commitment to building a robust team with a solid infield defense.
As Wetherholt transitions into his professional career, all eyes will be on how he adapts and grows in the Cardinals' system. His journey from a top prospect with high expectations to overcoming injury adversity and being selected in the first round illustrates his resilience and potential. The Cardinals' selection of Wetherholt signifies not just a strategic draft choice but a vote of confidence in a player's ability to rise above challenges and make a meaningful impact on the field.