Cardinals Take a Strategic Leap: Selecting JJ Wetherholt with 7th Pick in 2024 MLB Draft
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. Once a frontrunner for the No. 1 overall spot, Wetherholt's selection signals a significant vote of confidence from the Cardinals despite a challenging junior year that impacted his draft standing.
A Promising Prospect with a Challenging Journey
Wetherholt carried high expectations into his junior year, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing significant attention from scouts and evaluators alike. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend put a damper on his season. The injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting him to approximately a half-season's worth of at-bats. Despite these setbacks, Wetherholt showcased his skills, slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games.
Impressive Metrics and Projections
Evaluators project a 70-grade on Wetherholt's hit tool, a testament to his impressive contact ability. Nevertheless, concerns about his power projections have been noted. While Wetherholt's in-game power might peak at an average level, his overall hitting prowess keeps him in high regard among scouts. Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot, a position where the Cardinals believe he can solidify their infield defense.
Historic Selection for West Virginia
Wetherholt's selection marks a historic moment for West Virginia University. He is the first player from the school to be picked in the first round since the Toronto Blue Jays selected Alek Manoah with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Moreover, Wetherholt is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This remarkable achievement underscores the talent and potential that Wetherholt brings to the table.
Cardinals' Faith in Wetherholt's Potential
The Cardinals' decision to select Wetherholt speaks volumes about their belief in his abilities. Despite the injury and the resulting impact on his draft standing, St. Louis sees immense potential in his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Wetherholt's selection marks the beginning of his professional career, and the Cardinals are optimistic about what he can bring to their infield.
As Wetherholt embarks on this new chapter, the anticipation is palpable. His journey from a challenging junior year to a first-round MLB draft pick serves as a testament to his resilience and talent. The Cardinals' faith in his abilities suggests that the best is yet to come for this promising infielder from West Virginia.