In a surprising yet strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals made waves at the 2024 MLB draft by selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 overall pick Sunday night. Once a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt's selection signals the Cardinals' confidence in his abilities and potential to enhance their infield dynamics.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Wetherholt entered his junior year at West Virginia with sky-high expectations. Ranked No. 1 on several preseason lists, he attracted significant attention from scouts and evaluators. However, an untimely hamstring injury during Opening Weekend dramatically altered the course of his season. Sidelined for nearly two months, he was limited to a half-season's worth of at-bats, which impacted his draft standing.
Despite the setback, Wetherholt's performance remained compelling. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs. His disciplined approach at the plate resulted in almost twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Such statistics underline his strong hit tool, which evaluators have projected to be at a 70-grade, pointing to his prowess in making contact and getting on base.
Power and Positional Projections
While Wetherholt's hit tool drew rave reviews, some concerns were noted regarding his power projections. His in-game power might peak at an average level, which presents a bit of a conundrum for teams valuing home run potential from middle infielders. Nonetheless, his overall skill set makes him a valuable asset, especially for a club looking to solidify its infield.
For the Cardinals, second base seems to be Wetherholt's most likely landing spot. His defensive capabilities complement his offensive potential, making him a well-rounded addition to their roster. The confidence that St. Louis has shown in Wetherholt speaks volumes about their belief in his future contributions to the team.
Historical Context
Wetherholt's entry into the professional ranks marks a significant moment for West Virginia University. He becomes the first player from the school 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 WVU's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
This selection not only highlights Wetherholt's individual talent but also shines a spotlight on the development program at West Virginia, emphasizing its ability to cultivate top-tier athletes capable of advancing to the professional level.
Looking Forward
With JJ Wetherholt now officially part of the St. Louis Cardinals' organization, both player and team look ahead to what promises to be an exciting journey. His ability to bounce back from a challenging junior year and still command a top-10 draft selection is a testament to his talent and determination. As he embarks on his professional career, Wetherholt will have the opportunity to prove that the Cardinals' faith in him is well-founded.
The Cardinals' decision to select him underscores their long-term vision for infield stability and overall team improvement. While the hamstring injury might have impacted his draft stock, it has not diminished the potential that evaluators and the Cardinals see in him.
As Wetherholt dons his new uniform and steps onto the field, he carries with him not just the expectations of a high draft pick but also the hopes of a franchise eager to see their investment flourish. The journey to Major League success is arduous, but with his skill set and determination, JJ Wetherholt is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.