In a surprising yet strategic acquisition, the St. Louis Cardinals selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night. This move signals the Cardinals' commitment to fortifying their infield defense with a player who has shown immense potential despite facing significant challenges in his collegiate career.
Wetherholt entered the 2024 season as a top-tier candidate for the No. 1 overall pick. He carried high expectations, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and attracting considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, his draft standing was significantly impacted by a challenging junior year, which was marred by a severe hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend. This injury sidelined him for nearly two months and limited him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt managed to maintain an impressive performance, slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over just 36 games.
The injury undoubtedly affected his durability and power projections, leading some evaluators to question whether his in-game power might only peak at an average level. However, those close to the game remain optimistic about his future contributions, noting that he carries a 70-grade on his hit tool—a commendable evaluation that speaks volumes about his potential at the plate. The Cardinals, clearly recognizing his talent and the fortitude he displayed through his injury, decided that Wetherholt's abilities warranted the investment of a first-round pick.
It's noteworthy that JJ 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 West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. These milestones highlight the exceptional nature of Wetherholt's talent, further underscoring why the Cardinals made this choice.
The Cardinals have voiced their belief in Wetherholt’s ability to solidify their infield defense. With second base seen as his likely landing spot, his skills and potential for growth make him a valuable asset. Though there are concerns about his power projections, his ability to consistently make contact and his disciplined approach at the plate offer significant upside.
Wetherholt’s selection marks the beginning of his professional career, one that comes with great expectations and the validation of being a first-round draft pick. The Cardinals' faith in his abilities reflects their confidence that his resilience and talent will translate to success at the major league level. His journey from West Virginia to the MLB draft is a testament to his determination and skill, and now, with the backing of a storied franchise, he has the platform to make his mark on the game.
While it remains to be seen how Wetherholt will adjust to the professional ranks, his collegiate achievements and the robust support from the Cardinals organization set the stage for a promising career. As he takes this crucial step forward, the baseball world will be watching closely to see if Wetherholt can fulfill the lofty expectations that have followed him since his standout performances in college.
For the Cardinals, the decision to draft JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick is a calculated one, aiming to bolster their roster with a player whose potential far outweighs the risks. With his journey just beginning, Wetherholt now has the opportunity to turn potential into performance, and the backing of the Cardinals suggests confidence that he will do just that.