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, marking a significant moment for both the player and the franchise.
A High-Ranking Prospect's Rollercoaster Journey
Wetherholt’s journey to the MLB draft has been one of peaks and valleys. Heading into his junior year, Wetherholt was a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot. He carried high expectations, topping many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, his junior year was fraught with challenges that impacted his draft standing.
A serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend sidelined Wetherholt for nearly two months. This injury reduced his season to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats, limiting his opportunity to showcase his full potential. Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt still managed to impress with his performance. In the 36 games he played, he slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17).
Evaluators' Insights and Future Projections
Evaluators have not overlooked Wetherholt’s abilities, projecting a 70-grade on his hit tool, indicating a strong potential for making contact at a high level. However, concerns about his power projections have been noted, with some suggesting that his in-game power might peak at an average level. Despite these concerns, his offensive capabilities and overall performance have been valuable assets in his draft profile.
Defensively, second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot. The Cardinals are looking for potential players to solidify their infield defense, and Wetherholt’s skills fit that mold. His ability to contribute defensively adds another layer to his value as a draft pick.
Historical Significance for West Virginia
Wetherholt's selection by the Cardinals is significant not just for him personally, but also for West Virginia University. He is the first player from West Virginia University to be selected in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays picked Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This milestone highlights the growing reputation of West Virginia’s baseball program in producing top-tier talent.
The Cardinals' Strategic Vision
The St. Louis Cardinals’ decision to draft Wetherholt at No. 7 showcases their faith in his abilities and potential to develop into a key player. Despite the challenges and injury setbacks Wetherholt faced, the Cardinals’ investment indicates a strategic vision to enhance their infield defense and add depth to their roster. The franchise's belief in Wetherholt's talent speaks volumes about their evaluation process and long-term plans.
With the beginning of his professional career now underway, Wetherholt has the opportunity to prove himself on a larger stage. The Cardinals’ commitment to his development will be crucial in maximizing his potential and integrating him into their system.
For Wetherholt, being drafted marks the fulfillment of years of hard work and perseverance. It sets the stage for the next chapter in his baseball journey, one that will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans, scouts, and analysts alike. The blend of his offensive skill set, defensive prospects, and the resilience he demonstrated through his injury adversity bodes well for his future in Major League Baseball.
In conclusion, JJ Wetherholt’s selection by the Cardinals in the 2024 MLB draft is a testament to his resilience, skill, and potential. The road ahead in his professional career is filled with promise, and his journey will be an exciting one to follow as he aims to make his mark in the big leagues.