"He didn't start the year on the field": Insider discuss JJ Wetherholt's rise in the 2024 MLB draft stock as No. 1 pick
West Virginia's JJ Wetherholt did not start this season on the field. In fact, he didn't return to the baseball diamond until April due to injury. However, this didn't stop him from putting up another season that has him in contention to be drafted first overall by the Cleveland Guardians in the upcoming 2024 MLB draft.
Many teams could use a talent such as Wetherholt. One could say that every team in the majors could use someone like the WVU standout, who profiles as a true five-tool player following his accomplishments in Morgantown.
Guardians analyst Jensen Lewis expounded upon Wetherholt's accolades, saying:
"He didn't start the year on the field, but boy when he got back, he was a force to be reckoned with."
JJ Wetherholt to the Guardians is gaining traction
Arguably the best hitting prospect in this draft class, Wetherholt has mainly starred at shortstop for West Virginia. Brayan Rocchio has finally made it to the majors for the Guardians, playing the majority of games at shortstop for the team. However, his .213 batting average has shown that he might not be ready for the majors, as some more time in the minors might help him get back to top form.
Despite only playing in 36 games for the Mountaineers during his final season with the program, Wetherholt hit .331 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs, helping the team reach the Super Regional round, just short of a College World Series spot in Omaha.
In the 36 games he played, the star shortstop started in every single one of them. His OPS of 1.061 would have led the team if he had hit the batting minimum threshold, and so would his batting average. He was also perfect in stolen bases, swiping all six bags he attempted to steal on the season.
Defensively, Wetherholt excelled at shortstop, but as is the case with most prospects who play there before they hit the minors, he could potentially move to a different position to accommodate the Guardians or whatever team drafts him come July 14.
All of the accolades and awards received by the former West Virginia star highlight his five-star ability, which is not possessed by many baseball players. Furthermore, being a standout defender, in addition to his prowess at the plate, would be a definite boon professionally.
Now the pro level awaits, and the potential top pick in this year's draft is a prospect believed to have "incredible mental makeup," according to Jensen Lewis. If that is the case, Wetherholt's adjustment to the minors, and hopefully one day, the major league level, could make him a star sooner rather than later.