St. Louis Cardinals Make Strategic Move, Select JJ Wetherholt in 2024 MLB Draft
In a move that has caught many by surprise yet showcases strategic foresight, the St. Louis Cardinals chose West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft Sunday night. Wetherholt, once a contender for the top overall spot, faced a challenging junior year that significantly impacted his draft standing.
High Expectations and Setbacks
Wetherholt carried immense expectations into the season, ranking No. 1 on many preseason lists and drawing considerable attention from scouts and evaluators. However, a serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend derailed his promising start. This injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting him to roughly a half-season's worth of at-bats.
Despite the setback, Wetherholt still managed to impress, slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. Evaluators have projected a 70-grade on his hit tool, though there are ongoing concerns about his power projections. His in-game power is anticipated to peak at an average level.
Defensive Stability and Potential
Second base is seen as Wetherholt's likely landing spot in the Cardinals' infield, where his solid defensive skills are expected to shine. The Cardinals envision Wetherholt’s selection as a means to solidify their infield defense, a recurring area of need in recent seasons. Furthermore, the organization’s faith in Wetherholt's abilities speaks volumes about his potential to contribute significantly at the major league level.
A Milestone for West Virginia
Wetherholt’s selection is not just significant for his career but also marks a historic moment for West Virginia University. He becomes the first player from the university to be selected in the first round since Alek Manoah was picked at No. 11 by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. More importantly, Wetherholt is West Virginia’s first first-round position player since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973, breaking a long-standing 51-year drought.
Looking Forward
Wetherholt’s selection by the Cardinals represents the beginning of his professional career, a journey that will undoubtedly be fueled by his resilience and determination. The challenges he faced during his junior year, combined with the immense potential he displayed, make him a player to watch in the future. The Cardinals’ strategic decision to select him with their No. 7 pick underscores their belief in his abilities and potential to grow within their system.
As he steps into the professional arena, Wetherholt carries with him not just high expectations but also the hopes of a storied franchise looking to rejuvenate its infield strength. His blend of hitting prowess and defensive capabilities promises to add a new dimension to the Cardinals' roster, making his progression through the ranks a storyline worth following closely.