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. Once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt's journey to the big leagues was marked by high expectations and significant challenges.
Wetherholt entered his junior year with immense promise, ranking as the top prospect on many preseason lists and capturing the attention of scouts and evaluators across the country. However, a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend drastically impacted his season. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting his playing time to approximately a half-season’s worth of at-bats.
Despite the setback, Wetherholt delivered impressive numbers in the games he played. He slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and a remarkable discipline at the plate, evidenced by nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. Such stats highlight his potential as a reliable hitter, an aspect that evaluators project at a 70-grade level.
Concerns about his power projections have been noted, with some believing that Wetherholt's in-game power might peak at an average level. Nevertheless, his ability to consistently make contact and get on base has not gone unnoticed, making him a valuable asset for the Cardinals' infield.
Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot, given his skill set and the needs of the St. Louis Cardinals. The team envisions Wetherholt solidifying their infield defense, a testament to the faith they have in his abilities despite the injury-marred junior year.
With his selection, Wetherholt becomes the first player from West Virginia University to be picked in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays chose pitcher Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Wetherholt also stands out as West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
Wetherholt’s transition to the professional ranks is a significant milestone, not only for him but also for the St. Louis Cardinals, who see a bright future ahead. The confidence the Cardinals have placed in Wetherholt speaks volumes about his potential to make a lasting impact on the team.
The road to this moment has been anything but smooth for Wetherholt, yet his perseverance and consistent performance under less-than-ideal circumstances showcase his resilience and talent. As he embarks on his professional career, Wetherholt carries the aspirations and support of his alma mater, fans, and the Cardinals organization.
In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, the blend of talent, determination, and opportunity often makes the difference between potential and success. JJ Wetherholt's story is a testament to this dynamic, and his future with the Cardinals will be one to watch closely as he aims to fulfill the promise that has been evident since his early days on the diamond.