Heartbreaking :St. Louis Cardinals Hope to Find Another JJ Wetherholt in This Year’s MLB Draft.
**St. Louis Cardinals Hope to Find Another JJ Wetherholt in This Year’s MLB Draft**
The St. Louis Cardinals are no strangers to cultivating young talent, but as they face the challenges of a rebuilding phase, they are casting a hopeful eye toward the upcoming MLB Draft. One of the organization’s main goals is to unearth the next breakout star who can make a similar impact to that of rising sensation, JJ Wetherholt.
Wetherholt, a 21-year-old second baseman, has been a revelation for the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose recent decision to call him up to the major leagues was a testimony to his incredible development. The Cardinals, who have historically prided themselves on their player development system, are hopeful that this year’s draft can yield another player with the same level of upside and talent that the Pirates found in Wetherholt.
**A Talent Like Wetherholt**
For the Cardinals, finding another player like Wetherholt would be a monumental achievement. Wetherholt made waves in college baseball, becoming a standout performer for the University of West Virginia, where his combination of contact hitting, fielding prowess, and baseball IQ set him apart as one of the premier second base prospects of his draft class.
Though the Pirates were the team to ultimately select him, Wetherholt’s story is a reminder that success in the MLB Draft often lies in identifying under-the-radar talent that can make a significant impact sooner than expected. His rise has sparked renewed hope for teams like the Cardinals, who have been looking for potential stars to complement their already solid roster.
**Cardinals’ Draft Strategy**
The Cardinals enter this draft with the desire to continue building their future while also balancing the need to remain competitive. As their veteran core continues to age, and after a disappointing 2023 season, the team is investing in its minor league pipeline with the hope that another gem like Wetherholt will emerge from the next crop of young players.
The front office, led by president of baseball operations John Mozeliak, has focused on using advanced analytics to assess college players with high contact rates and potential defensively — traits that helped Wetherholt stand out as a prospect. The Cardinals’ scouting department has been working tirelessly to identify players who fit this mold and who could contribute quickly, much like Wetherholt has.
**A Deep 2024 Draft Class**
This year’s MLB Draft class is considered one of the deepest in recent memory, with a variety of talented players available across multiple positions. The Cardinals, who hold a solid draft position, are in an ideal spot to select a player who could significantly impact their farm system and, in time, their major league roster.
With a top scouting team at their disposal, the Cardinals are honing in on players who not only offer potential for long-term development but can also be fast-tracked to the major leagues. A player with a combination of tools, such as a solid bat, defensive versatility, and high baseball IQ, would be highly valuable to St. Louis.
**The Path Forward**
St. Louis is well aware that the path to becoming a competitive contender in the National League Central is rooted in strong drafts and smart player development. The success of the Pirates with Wetherholt has only reaffirmed the importance of finding hidden gems that can contribute early and have long-term success. If the Cardinals can replicate the success of finding a player like Wetherholt, it would be a major step forward in their rebuilding efforts.
For the fans and the organization alike, the hope is that the 2024 MLB Draft provides the type of player who can shine immediately while also growing into a central figure in the team’s future. With a blend of advanced scouting, analytics, and the right player development system, the Cardinals may very well find their own version of JJ Wetherholt — a player capable of making a lasting impact on the field and propelling the team back into contention.
In the ever-evolving world of baseball, talent is the key to long-term success, and the St. Louis Cardinals are counting on this draft to bring them one step closer to building a championship-caliber team for years to come.
