St. Louis Cardinals sign first round Draft selection JJ Wetherholt

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21-Year-Old Shortstop out of West Virginia University is Team’s Highest Pick Since 1998; Former NCAA D1 Batting Champion Ranked as 24th Overall Prospect in MLB

ST. LOUIS, Mo., – The St. Louis Cardinals announced they have signed their first round draft pick (7th overall) in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, shortstop JJ Wetherholt out of West Virginia University.

Wetherholt, a Pittsburgh-area native who attended Mars Area High School, played three seasons for the Mountaineers slashing .370/.468/.625/1.093 with 29 home runs, 49 doubles, 129 RBI, 148 runs and a 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio with 82 walks in 145 career games. As a sophomore, he won the NCAA Division I batting title and earned Big 12 Conference Player of the Year after hitting .449/.517/.787 with 16 homers, 24 doubles, 60 RBI, and 36 stolen bases.

The 5’10”, 190-pound left-handed hitter was limited to 36 games in 2024 after injuring his hamstring in February. He finished his junior season slashing .331/.472/.589 with eight home runs, eight doubles, 30 RBI, 30 runs scored, six steals, and 30 walks with just 17 strikeouts in 164 plate appearances. Despite the injury, Wetherholt led the Mountaineers with a 1.061 OPS and was All-Big 12 First Team selection. JJ was a unanimous First-Team All-America following the 2023 season and became the first player since 2002 with 40 extra-base hits and 35 stolen bases.

Wetherholt is rated as the 24th overall prospect in all of baseball and the Cardinals top prospect according to Baseball America, one spot ahead of right-handed pitcher Tink Hence.

A natural righthander, Wetherholt started hitting left-handed at the age of six after emulating his older brother and has been a lefty-only hitter ever since.

Wetherholt is the third 7th overall selection for the Cardinals since 1965 and becomes the Cardinals highest overall selection since outfielder J.D. Drew was taken 5th overall in 1998.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, JJ (full name Jonathan David Wetherholt) is the son of Mike and Holly Wetherholt. His older brother, Brandon, played baseball at Division II Gannon University in Erie, Penn.

Wetherholt will first report to Jupiter, Fla. where he will receive his affiliation assignment to begin his professional career and 2024 minor league season.

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MLB Editor
MLB Editor
https://sportsgamingjournal.com/category/mlb/
Profile: A dedicated Major League Baseball analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s strategic, statistical, and developmental layers. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends advanced metrics, scouting insight, and historical context to illuminate the trends shaping today’s game. Background: With extensive experience following MLB at both the team and league levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, player evaluation, and organizational philosophy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to breaking down performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and pitching‑matchup analysis Advanced statistical breakdowns and sabermetric insights Prospect evaluation, farm‑system trends, and player development Trade‑deadline movement, free‑agency analysis, and front‑office strategy Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex data and tactical nuance into insights that resonate with both traditional fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.