In a move that shocked and thrilled fans and analysts alike, the St. Louis Cardinals made waves in the 2024 MLB draft by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick on Sunday night. The decision to draft Wetherholt, despite his earlier struggles, marks a clear indication of the Cardinals’ belief in his potential to become a cornerstone of their infield defense.
Wetherholt was once considered for the coveted No. 1 overall spot and garnered significant attention from scouts and baseball enthusiasts. His preseason performances placed him at the top of many lists, highlighting the high expectations he carried into his junior year. However, his journey to the draft was anything but straightforward.
A Challenging Junior Year
Wetherholt's draft standing took a hit during a troubling junior year, largely due to a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend. This setback sidelined him for nearly two months, reducing his playing time to just about half a season. The injury limited him to around 36 games, a scenario that could have derailed his promising career. Nevertheless, he showcased resilience and impressive stats during those appearances.
Despite the limited at-bats, Wetherholt slashed an admirable .331/.472/.589, hitting eight home runs and accumulating nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Such numbers reaffirmed his offensive prowess and why he remained a top prospect despite the time lost to injury.
Strengths and Concerns
Evaluators have projected a 70-grade hit tool for Wetherholt, underscoring his capability as a reliable contact hitter. His plate discipline and consistency make him a valuable asset in any lineup. However, concerns have been raised about his power projections. While his hitting ability is undisputed, Wetherholt's in-game power might only reach an average level. Although this presents a potential limitation, it does not overshadow his comprehensive batting skillset.
A Historic Selection
Wetherholt's selection is not just a significant moment for him personally but also a historic milestone for West Virginia University. He is the first player from the university to be chosen in the first round since Alek Manoah was picked No. 11 by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. Additionally, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was taken No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This emphasizes the rarity and significance of his achievement, placing him among the elite athletes from his university.
Future Outlook with the Cardinals
With second base seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot, the Cardinals envision him solidifying their infield defense. His selection marks the critical beginning of his professional career, with the organization placing substantial faith in his abilities. This confidence speaks volumes about his potential and the impact he is expected to bring to the team.
Though the hamstring injury undoubtedly posed a challenge, it also highlighted Wetherholt's determination and talent in overcoming adversity. As he transitions into professional baseball, his journey serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication. The Cardinals, along with their fans, eagerly anticipate seeing Wetherholt flourish and solidify his place within the team's roster.
The St. Louis Cardinals' strategic move to draft JJ Wetherholt encapsulates the essence of baseball scouting—identifying and nurturing talent despite the obstacles. As Wetherholt embarks on his professional journey, his story will be one to watch closely, both for its immediate contributions to the Cardinals and its implications for future MLB drafts.