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. This decision brings both hope and intrigue as the Cardinals aim to solidify their infield defense with a player who has shown remarkable resilience and talent despite recent setbacks.
Once a Top Contender
Wetherholt was once a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall spot. Heading into his junior year, he carried high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, what seemed to be a promising season took a challenging turn.
During Opening Weekend, Wetherholt sustained a serious hamstring injury, a setback that would significantly impact his draft standing. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, effectively cutting his junior year in half. This limited him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats, curbing his ability to showcase his full potential.
Performance Despite Adversity
Still, Wetherholt's performance during the games he did play spoke volumes about his capabilities. He slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on his hit tool, highlighting his natural ability to make contact with the ball consistently.
However, concerns about his power projections have been noted. While his overall hitting prowess is undeniable, Wetherholt's in-game power might peak at an average level. This has led many to view second base as his likely landing spot, where his defensive skills can still greatly benefit a team.
A Historical Selection
Wetherholt's selection by the Cardinals is historic 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. Additionally, 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' Vision
The Cardinals' faith in Wetherholt's abilities speaks volumes about his potential. The organization sees great promise in his ability to solidify their infield defense, despite the injury that hampered his junior season. This selection marks the beginning of Wetherholt’s professional career, a journey filled with both high expectations and the resolve to overcome challenges.
For the Cardinals, Wetherholt represents not just a strategic choice but a commitment to building a robust infield defense. His journey from a top contender to battling through injury and still making it to the first round of the MLB draft is a testament to his talent and determination.
As JJ Wetherholt steps into this new chapter with the St. Louis Cardinals, the baseball world will be watching closely, eager to see how this young infielder's career unfolds. His story is one of resilience, potential, and strategic insight from a franchise looking to bolster its future.