The No. 7 draft pick on Sunday night could have a bright future within the Gateway to the West.
Coming into the MLB Draft, Wetherholt was projected as the fourth best prospect in the 2024 class. While his slide to the seventh pick may have been unexpected, it may have presented a greater opportunity.
While it will likely take a few years until the middle infielder makes his debut at the major league level, the Cardinals current payroll looks favorable for Wetherholt. St. Louis only has three players currently under contract through the 2026 season, with none of them being a second baseman or shortstop.
This isn’t to say that the path is wide open for Wetherholt – he still has many players to compete with. Shortstop Masyn Winn, utility Brendan Donovan and second baseman Nolan Gorman are still under full team control, with Donovan and Gorman’s first arbitration’s beginning after this season. The Cardinals also have three other middle infield prospects in their Top 30 prospects in Thomas Saggese, César Pinto, and Jonathan Mejia.
However, Wetherholt’s scouting grades leave much room for optimism. Led by his 65 grade hitting and 60 grade running, JJ was given an overall prospect grade of 60 by MLB.com. That grade ranks higher than any Cardinals prospect within their top 30. Only three position players in the farm system even have a 50 grade, including Saggese and former Mountaineer Victor Scott II.
In addition, the No. 7 draft slot has had some history of producing stars. Frank Thomas (1989), Prince Fielder (2002), Nick Markakis (2003), Troy Tulowitzki (2005), Clayton Kershaw (2006), Max Fried (2012), and Aaron Nola (2014) we’re all drafted 7th overall and became highly successful at the major league level. Each player has accumulated at least 23.0 WAR throughout their MLB careers.
While Wetherholt’s success in the minor leagues isn’t guaranteed, his path to the majors isn’t highly contested. Expect the Mountaineer alumni to make his MLB debut anytime from 2026 to 2028.
