In a surprising yet strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals made headlines on Sunday night by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft. Although this pick may seem unexpected to some, Wetherholt's potential has been on the radar for quite some time, despite facing significant challenges during his collegiate career.
Wetherholt began the season as a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick, having carried high expectations from the get-go. He ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and garnered substantial attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend dramatically altered his trajectory. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, significantly affecting his draft standing and limiting him to roughly half a season's worth of at-bats.
Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt delivered an impressive performance when healthy. In 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, hit eight home runs, and maintained a remarkable ratio of nearly twice as many walks (30) to strikeouts (17). His offensive prowess has been underpinned by evaluators who project a 70-grade on his hit tool, showcasing his potential to consistently get on base and drive in runs.
Injury Impact and Recovery
The hamstring injury that Wetherholt sustained during the season opener was undoubtedly a significant blow, both for him personally and for his draft prospects. The injury essentially cut his junior year in half, forcing him to miss out on crucial playing time and opportunities to cement his position as the top draft pick.
However, Wetherholt's resilience and determination have shone through his recovery process. His statistics from the limited games he played demonstrate his ability to overcome adversity and continue performing at a high level. This resilience may have been a key factor in the Cardinals' decision to invest their No. 7 pick in him.
Projected Role with the Cardinals
Going forward, the Cardinals see potential in Wetherholt’s ability to solidify their infield defense. Second base is considered his most likely landing spot, where his solid hit tool and consistent performance can help anchor the infield. While there are concerns about his power projections, with evaluators suggesting that his in-game power might only peak at an average level, his overall skill set is viewed as a valuable addition to the team's roster.
It's worth noting that Wetherholt 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. Additionally, he marks West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins back in 1973. These milestones underscore Wetherholt's significance both for his university and his home state.
A New Chapter in Wetherholt's Career
With the draft now behind him, JJ Wetherholt embarks on the next chapter of his career as he transitions to professional baseball. The Cardinals' faith in his abilities speaks volumes about his potential to make a significant impact at the major league level. For Wetherholt, this is just the beginning, and the baseball world will be watching closely to see how his professional career unfolds.
Throughout his collegiate career, Wetherholt has demonstrated a blend of talent, perseverance, and determination. Despite the setbacks he faced, his impressive statistics and overall skill set make him a promising addition to the Cardinals' lineup. The team's investment in him reflects their confidence that he can rise to the occasion and contribute meaningfully to their future successes.
In conclusion, the selection of JJ Wetherholt by the St. Louis Cardinals is a testament to the young infielder's undeniable talent and potential. While his path to the No. 7 pick was marked by challenges, his resilience and performance have proved him worthy of such a high selection. As he moves forward into his professional career, all eyes will be on Wetherholt to see how he will shape the future of the Cardinals' infield and beyond.