Cardinals Make Strategic Choice, Select JJ Wetherholt at No. 7 in 2024 MLB Draft
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, once a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, saw his draft standing affected by a challenging junior year overshadowed by injuries.
High Expectations, Early Setbacks
Wetherholt began his junior year with immense expectations. Ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists, he drew considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, an unfortunate hamstring injury during Opening Weekend essentially cut his season in half. This injury sidelined him for nearly two months and limited his at-bats to around half a season’s worth.
In spite of these setbacks, Wetherholt managed to put up impressive numbers. He slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. Such statistics underscore his resilience and ability to perform under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Scouts' Evaluation and Future Projections
Evaluators have particularly high praise for Wetherholt's hit tool, projecting it at a 70-grade. However, there are some concerns about his power projections. While he shows potential in various aspects of the game, scouts believe his in-game power might only reach an average level. Given his skillset, second base is seen as Wetherholt’s likely landing spot in the infield.
Despite these considerations, the Cardinals appear confident in Wetherholt's ability to solidify their infield defense. Their faith in his abilities speaks volumes about his potential and the role they envision him playing in the team’s future.
Historic Selection for West Virginia University
Wetherholt’s selection marks a significant milestone for West Virginia University. He is the first player from the institution to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Furthermore, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
These historic selections add another layer of prestige to Wetherholt’s burgeoning career. Being a first-round pick not only cements his status among elite college players but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting professional journey.
Looking Ahead
As JJ Wetherholt steps into his professional career with the Cardinals, the baseball community will be watching closely how this talented infielder progresses. With his proven skillset, the ability to overcome adversity, and the faith of a storied franchise behind him, the future certainly appears bright for this young prospect. The Cardinals' strategic move could very well be a game-changer, not just for Wetherholt, but for the team as they look to strengthen their infield defense and overall roster.