The Cardinals Land a Talented Middle Infielder: JJ Wetherholt
The St. Louis Cardinals made a bold move in the 2024 MLB Draft, selecting West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick. Wetherholt was once considered a potential No. 1 overall pick, but a serious hamstring injury suffered during Opening Weekend significantly hampered his junior season. Despite the setback, the Cardinals saw enough in his talent to make him their top selection.
Wetherholt’s injury was a major blow to his draft stock. He was sidelined for nearly two months, limiting him to a mere half-season’s worth of at-bats. This absence allowed other top prospects to gain momentum and leapfrog him in the draft rankings. Despite the injury, Wetherholt’s talent was undeniable, and he remained a highly sought-after player.
- The St. Louis Cardinals selected West Virginia middle infielder JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft despite his junior season being affected by a serious hamstring injury.
- Wetherholt’s talent and offensive skill set, including a remarkable command over the strike zone, made him a highly sought-after prospect despite his injury setback.
- Despite the injury, Wetherholt managed to impress in his shortened junior season, showcasing a strong ability to get on base consistently and generate power at the plate.
- Wetherholt’s offensive potential is highlighted by his polished hitting ability, leading some evaluators to project him with a 70-grade hit tool, despite having average power potential.
- His selection at No. 7 marks a significant moment for West Virginia baseball as he becomes the first Mountaineer selected in the first round since Alek Manoah in 2019.
A Polished Offensive Skill Set
CBS Sports ranked Wetherholt as the No. 6 prospect in the draft class, and for good reason. He possesses a polished offensive skill set that earned him the top spot on their preseason list. Wetherholt combines an exceptional feel for the barrel with an impressive command over the strike zone. This combination has led some evaluators to project him with a 70-grade hit tool, a remarkable feat for a young player.
While Wetherholt’s offensive potential is high, his power potential is considered average. However, this shouldn’t be a significant concern, as many successful second basemen have made careers with similar profiles. Players like Nico Hoerner and Andrés Giménez have proven that a lack of overwhelming power doesn’t hinder a player’s ability to thrive at the professional level. Wetherholt’s solid hitting ability and strong command of the strike zone make him a valuable asset for the Cardinals.
A Successful Junior Season Despite the Injury
Despite the injury, Wetherholt managed to put up impressive numbers in his shortened junior season. He slashed .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs and nearly twice as many walks (30) as strikeouts (17) in 36 games. His ability to get on base consistently and generate power is a testament to his offensive prowess.
Wetherholt’s selection marks a significant moment for West Virginia baseball. He is the first Mountaineer selected in the first round since Alek Manoah was taken No. 11 overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. He is also the first West Virginia position player selected in the first round since Joseph Honce went No. 12 to the Minnesota Twins in 1973. It’s a testament to the program’s progress in recent years.
The Cardinals Long-Term Plans for Wetherholt
The Cardinals are known for their commitment to developing young players, and Wetherholt is no exception. They plan to give him ample time to adjust to the professional level and continue to hone his skills. Wetherholt’s versatility and offensive potential make him a valuable asset for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals are hoping that Wetherholt can eventually become a cornerstone of their infield for years to come. The Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase, and they hope that Wetherholt can be a part of their future success. The Cardinals are excited to see what the future holds for Wetherholt.
The Impact of the Injury on Wetherholt’s Draft Position
The injury was a significant setback for Wetherholt, but it did not completely derail his draft stock. He was still considered a top-10 prospect, and the Cardinals were fortunate to be able to select him at No. 7.
The Cardinals were willing to gamble on Wetherholt’s potential despite the injury. They believe that he has the talent to be a star in the major leagues, and they are willing to give him the time he needs to develop.
The Cardinals’ Long-Term Strategy
The Cardinals are known for their patient approach to player development. They are not afraid to take risks on players with high potential, even if they have a few questions marks. This approach has helped them to build a number of successful teams over the years.
The Cardinals are confident that Wetherholt will be a valuable addition to their organization. They believe that he has the potential to be a star in the major leagues, and they are willing to give him the time he needs to develop.
Wetherholt’s Potential for Success
Wetherholt has the potential to be a very successful player in the major leagues. He has a strong foundation, a great work ethic, and a willingness to learn. He will need some time to adjust to the professional level, but the Cardinals are confident that he will eventually be a major contributor to their team.
Wetherholt’s selection is a major coup for the Cardinals. They have added a high-potential player to their organization, and they are excited to see what he can accomplish in the years to come.
The Cardinals’ Draft Strategy
The Cardinals are known for their ability to draft and develop talent. They are always looking for players with high potential, regardless of their draft position. They are also willing to take risks on players with some question marks.
The Cardinals’ draft strategy has paid off in recent years. They have drafted a number of young players who have gone on to become stars in the major leagues. The Cardinals are hoping that Wetherholt will be the next in a long line of successful draft picks.
Wetherholt’s Impact on the Cardinals
Wetherholt’s arrival could have a significant impact on the Cardinals’ future. He has the potential to be a cornerstone player for the team for many years to come.
The Cardinals are excited to see what Wetherholt can accomplish in the years to come. They believe that he has the potential to be a star in the major leagues, and they are committed to helping him reach his full potential.
Conclusion
The St. Louis Cardinals’ selection of JJ Wetherholt with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft is a bold move that could pay off handsomely in the future. While the injury certainly hurt his draft stock, Wetherholt’s talent is undeniable. The Cardinals have a proven track record of developing young players, and they are confident that Wetherholt will be a valuable asset to their organization. With a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, Wetherholt has the potential to become a star in the major leagues, and the Cardinals are excited to see what he can accomplish.
