JJ Wetherholt Projected No. 1 Pick in MLB Mock Draft

Just a couple of days away from the annual MLB draft and West Virginia shortstop JJ Wetherholt is projected to go quickly with one of the first picks. In ESPN’s latest mock draft, insider Kiley McDaniel has Wetherholt going No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Guardians.

Here’s a little bit of what McDaniel had to say about Cleveland’s pick.

“I’m pretty sure Cleveland is still considering five players, and I think I know who all five are. My current handicap here is Wetherholt at a 45% chance, Travis Bazzana a 40% chance, Jac Caglianone a 10% chance, Charlie Condon 4% and Chase Burns at 1%.”

In the past, Wetherholt has been projected with the No. 1 or 2 picks and has been seen as far down as No. 9 to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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.

The MLB Draft will take place from July 14-16.

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.”

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