Mountaineers in the Pros
JJ Wetherholt Picked by St. Louis Cardinals in MLB Draft
It didn’t take long for JJ Wetherholt to hear his name called during the MLB Draft on Sunday night. The WVU star infielder was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals with the seventh overall pick.
Despite missing half of the season with an injury, Wetherholt still hit eight home runs and recorded 30 RBI while posting a .375 batting average during the regular season.
In 2023, Wetherholt hit .449 with 16 home runs and 36 bases stolen bases and was a finalist for college baseball’s Dick Howser Trophy.
Wetherholt became the top star during the most successful period in WVU baseball program history. The team accomplishments were highlighted by back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances, a Super Regional and even a share of a Big 12 regular season title.
Ed Thompson / WVSN
JJ Wetherholt swings at a pitch against UNC on June 7, 2024 at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. in the NCAA Tournament Super Regionals. (Mitchell Northam / WV Sports Now)
WV Sports Now spoke with MLB pipeline senior writer Jim Callis back in April about Wetherholt’s stock and potential as a professional player.
“JJ might be the best pure hitter in this Draft. He makes it look easy, making hard contact to all fields against all types of pitching. There’s at least average power in there, plus speed, and at worst he’s a second baseman if not a shortstop. If he reaches his ceiling, maybe he’s a quicker, lefty-hitting version of Dustin Pedroia.”
Follow WV Sports Now for more coverage of JJ Wetherholt as he now begins his professional career.
