In a move that has sparked both excitement and curiosity, the St. Louis Cardinals opted for West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night. Wetherholt, who was once considered a prime candidate for the top pick in the draft, saw his stock fluctuate due to a challenging junior season beset by a significant injury.
Weatherholt's Early Prominence
The talented infielder carried lofty expectations into his junior year, having ranked No. 1 on numerous preseason lists. Scouts and evaluators kept a keen eye on him, anticipating a stellar season that would cement his status at the top of the draft. However, the season took an unexpected turn during Opening Weekend when Wetherholt suffered a serious hamstring injury.
This injury sidelined Wetherholt for nearly two months, drastically cutting his playing time and forcing him to miss a significant portion of the season. Despite these setbacks, he still managed to showcase his impressive skills in the limited time he had on the field. Over the course of 36 games, Wetherholt slashed .331/.472/.589, hit eight home runs, and demonstrated excellent plate discipline with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17).
Scouting the Skills
Evaluators have been particularly impressed with Wetherholt’s hit tool, assigning it a robust 70-grade. This is indicative of his exceptional ability to make consistent contact and drive the ball effectively. However, there are some concerns regarding his power potential. While Wetherholt has shown glimpses of power, projections suggest that his in-game power might peak at an average level.
Wetherholt's defensive capabilities have also garnered attention. Second base is viewed as his likely landing spot, where his skills could help solidify the Cardinals' infield defense. His selection by St. Louis speaks volumes about the organization’s belief in his potential to grow and make an impact at the professional level.
Historical Context
Wetherholt’s selection as the seventh overall pick is significant not just for him, but for West Virginia University as well. He becomes the first player from the university to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays chose Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. More notably, Wetherholt is the first first-round position player from West Virginia since Joseph Honce was picked 12th by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
This selection marks the beginning of Wetherholt’s professional career, a journey that many will watch with bated breath given his previous status and the setbacks he has overcome. The Cardinals' decision underscores their faith in his abilities and potential, despite the hurdles he faced during his junior year.
Outlook and Expectations
For the Cardinals, adding Wetherholt to their roster is a strategic move aimed at enhancing their infield defense and adding a promising talent to their pipeline. The hurdles Wetherholt faced in college, including his hamstring injury, have not deterred the Cardinals from recognizing his potential and making a substantial investment in his future.
With professional training and development, Wetherholt has the opportunity to refine his skills further and perhaps even surpass the projections currently placed upon him. His journey from a highly-touted college player, through injury and recovery, to a first-round pick, paints a vivid picture of resilience and determination that will undoubtedly inspire many.
The baseball world will be closely monitoring JJ Wetherholt’s progression, eager to see how this promising young player evolves in the professional arena. If his past performance and ability to overcome adversity are any indications, the Cardinals—and their fans—have much to look forward to in the coming years.