Cardinals Make Strategic Move, Select JJ Wetherholt with No. 7 Pick in 2024 MLB Draft
In a move that has surprised many yet clearly demonstrates strategic thinking, the St. Louis Cardinals selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Sunday night. Wetherholt, who once appeared to be a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick, saw his draft stock fluctuate due to a challenging junior year.
A Difficult Junior Year
Wetherholt entered the season with soaring expectations, topping many preseason rankings and drawing significant attention from scouts and evaluators. His reputation as a standout player, however, was put to the test early in the season. A serious hamstring injury sustained during Opening Weekend cut his junior year in half, sidelining him for nearly two months. The injury limited his playing time to roughly a half-season's worth of games.
In spite of the setback, Wetherholt managed to put up impressive numbers. He slashed .331/.472/.589, with eight home runs and an impressive ratio of nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) over 36 games. These statistics underline why many evaluators project a 70-grade on his hit tool, a testament to his potential as a high-impact hitter at the professional level.
Power Concerns and Positional Fit
While Wetherholt's hitting ability is widely praised, there are some noted concerns about his power projections. Evaluators suggest that his in-game power might peak at an average level, which could impact his overall value as a prospect. Nonetheless, his expected positional fit at second base seems to satisfy the Cardinals' need for a solid infield defense. The organization believes that Wetherholt's defensive skills can significantly bolster their infield.
Historic Selection for West Virginia
Wetherholt’s selection at No. 7 is historic for West Virginia University, marking him as the first player from the school to be picked in the first round since Alek Manoah was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays with the No. 11 pick in 2019. Furthermore, he is the first position player from West Virginia to be selected in the first round since Joseph Honce was chosen No. 12 by the Minnesota Twins in 1973. This milestone highlights the significant achievement for both Wetherholt and his university.
Beginning of a New Chapter
With Wetherholt's selection, the Cardinals have expressed a strong belief in his potential to excel at the professional level. His journey from a highly-touted prospect to navigating the challenges of a significant injury and still making a mark, speaks volumes about his resilience and talent. The Cardinals' faith in his abilities suggests that they see him as a key piece in their future plans, particularly with regard to solidifying their infield defense.
For Wetherholt, this marks the exciting beginning of his professional career. As he steps onto the field for the Cardinals, the journey from college standout to MLB player begins, with high hopes and the promise of a bright future ahead.
In summary, the Cardinals' selection of JJ Wetherholt at No. 7 is a strategic move rooted in both his past accomplishments and his potential to contribute to the team's success. Despite the challenges he faced during his junior year, Wetherholt's impressive performance and resilience have positioned him as a valuable asset for the St. Louis Cardinals moving forward.