Cardinals Snag Wetherholt with No. 7 Pick in 2024 MLB Draft
In a move that highlights both surprise and strategy, the St. Louis Cardinals selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night. Despite his plunge from being a candidate for the No. 1 overall spot, the Cardinals see immense potential in the young infielder.
Wetherholt endured a challenging junior year at West Virginia, a season that began with high expectations. Preseason rankings frequently listed him as the top prospect, and scouts along with evaluators paid close attention to his development. However, a serious hamstring injury during Opening Weekend significantly derailed his season, sidelining him for nearly two months. This limited him to just about a half-season’s worth of at-bats, directly impacting his draft standing.
Despite the adversity, Wetherholt showcased his resilience and talent upon return. Over 36 games, he slashed .331/.472/.589, hitting eight home runs and demonstrating an exceptional plate discipline with nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17). These numbers underline why evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, a mark of distinction highlighting his batting prowess.
However, there are ongoing concerns about his power projections. While his overall performance was impressive, his in-game power might peak at an average level, as noted by talent evaluators. Still, this did not deter the Cardinals from betting on his future. Wetherholt is expected to find his home at second base, where his defensive abilities can shine and potentially solidify the infield for St. Louis.
Wetherholt’s selection is significant beyond his immediate future with the Cardinals. He becomes 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. Furthermore, he is West Virginia's first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins back in 1973.
The selection marks not only a pivotal moment in Wetherholt’s burgeoning career but also a testament to the Cardinals' confidence in his potential. The organization is banking on his ability to rebound from his junior year setback and leverage the skill set that once made him a top prospect. His impressive batting average and on-base percentage despite his injury-riddled season suggest a player with notable resilience and skill.
With Wetherholt in their ranks, the Cardinals hope to fortify their infield defense and add depth to their roster. The young infielder’s journey from a preseason top pick, through the trials of injury, to a first-round selection by a storied franchise now begins a new chapter. It remains to be seen how Wetherholt will adapt to the professional level, but the faith placed in him by the Cardinals organization speaks volumes about his potential to make a significant impact in Major League Baseball.
As JJ Wetherholt takes this next step in his career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. His story is one of perseverance and promise, making him a player to watch as he transitions into the professional realm. The Cardinals, no strangers to developing talent, will undoubtedly be instrumental in his growth. For now, the baseball world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this highly-touted Middle Infielder.