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 pick, Wetherholt's path to this moment was anything but straightforward.
Wetherholt carried high expectations going into his junior year, having ranked No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend derailed his season significantly. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting Wetherholt to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats.
Despite this setback, Wetherholt's performance when he was on the field remained impressive. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, though there are lingering concerns about his power projections. His in-game power is anticipated to peak at an average level, yet his overall batting skills make him a valuable asset.
Wetherholt's journey to the draft was a testament to his resilience and ability to maintain a high level of play despite adversity. His selection by the Cardinals not only marks his entrance into professional baseball but also makes history. 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. Moreover, he is the first first-round position player from West Virginia since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
The Cardinals' decision to draft Wetherholt underscores their belief in his potential to solidify their infield defense, with second base seen as his likely landing spot. The organization's faith in Wetherholt's abilities speaks volumes about the potential they see in him.
While Wetherholt's junior year may have affected his draft standing, it did not diminish the high regard in which he is held by scouts and team executives. His journey reflects both the challenges elite athletes often face and the determination required to overcome them.
As Wetherholt embarks on his professional career with the Cardinals, the baseball world will be watching closely to see how he develops. Given his talent and the confidence placed in him by St. Louis, JJ Wetherholt's future in MLB looks promising. His ability to bounce back from injury and maintain high performance levels will serve him well as he begins this new chapter in his career.
The tenacity, skill, and resilience displayed by Wetherholt highlight the rigorous path to professional sports and the unpredictable nature of draft selections. What remains constant is the indomitable spirit of promising players like him, who continue to chase their dreams despite the hurdles laid out before them.