In a surprising yet strategically calculated decision, the St. Louis Cardinals chose West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night. Once a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt’s draft standing was impacted by a challenging junior year.
Wetherholt entered the season with sky-high expectations, ranking No. 1 on several preseason lists and drawing substantial interest from scouts and evaluators. However, his journey to the draft took a detour when a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend effectively cut his junior year in half. Sidelined for nearly two months, Wetherholt was limited to about a half-season’s worth of at-bats.
Despite the injury hiccup, Wetherholt demonstrated resilience and impressive batting skills. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, hitting eight home runs and amassing nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on his hit tool, signaling high praise for his ability to make consistent and quality contact with the ball.
Concerns have surfaced regarding Wetherholt’s power projections, with some suggesting his in-game power might peak at an average level. Nonetheless, his offensive prowess remains a significant talking point among scouts. Offensively, he presents a package that blends a solid hit tool with an exceptional eye at the plate.
Defensively, second base appears to be Wetherholt’s most likely landing spot. The Cardinals see potential in his ability to solidify their infield defense, a sentiment that undoubtedly played a role in their decision to draft him. Wetherholt’s standout performance, despite his injury-shortened season, illustrates the Cardinals' faith in his abilities and potential for growth.
Selection in the first round of the MLB draft is a significant milestone for any player, and Wetherholt's achievement is noteworthy for multiple reasons. He is West Virginia University’s first first-round draft pick since the Toronto Blue Jays selected Alek Manoah at No. 11 in 2019. Additionally, Wetherholt is the first first-round position player from West Virginia since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973.
His selection signifies more than just the start of his professional career—it also underscores the potential the Cardinals see in his ability to enhance their roster. By prioritizing a player with high contact ability and a commendable defensive skill set, the Cardinals aim to address specific needs within their lineup.
Moving forward, Wetherholt’s journey will be closely watched by those who have followed his ascent. His promising yet interrupted junior year has set the stage for a professional career filled with potential and a clear indication that the Cardinals trust in his talents. As Wetherholt transitions into the major leagues, the impact he could have on the Cardinals’ infield and potentially their overall performance remains a fascinating narrative for fans and analysts alike.
The Cardinals’ faith in Wetherholt not only speaks volumes about his potential but also highlights their strategic approach to building a robust team while investing in a player who has already shown resilience in the face of adversity.