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 Sunday night. Wetherholt, who once seemed destined for the No. 1 overall spot, faced a challenging junior year due to a serious hamstring injury that impacted his draft stock significantly.
High Expectations and a Tough Break
Entering the season, Wetherholt carried high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, those hopes were quickly dashed when he sustained a severe hamstring injury during Opening Weekend. This injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite the setback, Wetherholt still managed to showcase his talents, slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs, and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games.
A Resilient Performance
Even with his time on the field cut short, Wetherholt's performance remained noteworthy. Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, underscoring his ability to make consistent and impactful contact. While there have been concerns about his power projections, with some suggesting his in-game power might peak at an average level, his overall offensive capabilities can't be overlooked. His discipline at the plate, evidenced by his excellent walk-to-strikeout ratio, adds another layer of value to his profile.
Future Defensive Anchor
Considering his skill set and physical profile, second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot in the professional ranks. The Cardinals, recognizing his potential to solidify their infield defense, placed significant faith in his abilities by selecting him with their top pick. This move not only highlights the organization’s commitment to bolstering their defensive options but also signals their confidence in Wetherholt’s capacity to overcome his recent adversities.
Historic Selection
Wetherholt’s selection carries historical significance. He is the first player from West Virginia University to be chosen 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, who was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. These milestones reflect both his individual talent and the evolving strength of the West Virginia baseball program.
The Cardinals' Vision
The Cardinals' decision to draft Wetherholt despite his injury-marred junior year underscores their belief in his long-term potential. By investing in a player who was once considered the top prospect, they signal a willingness to take calculated risks for high rewards. The organization’s faith in Wetherholt’s abilities speaks volumes about their approach to building a robust and dynamic infield.
Wetherholt’s journey from a highly-touted prospect to overcoming injury challenges and finally being picked in the first round marks the beginning of his professional career. As he embarks on this new chapter, the Cardinals will undoubtedly provide him with the resources and support needed to thrive. The road ahead may still present obstacles, but Wetherholt’s resilience and skill set position him as a promising addition to the Cardinals’ roster.
In conclusion, while Wetherholt’s draft journey was certainly not without its trials, his selection by the Cardinals at No. 7 highlights a story of perseverance and potential. For the Cardinals, this pick represents a strategic move to reinforce their infield, banking on Wetherholt’s intrinsic talent and professional growth.