Is JJ Wetherholt in the MLB draft? A look at West Virginia star's college career
JJ Wetherholt is an infielder at West Virginia and is currently a junior at the University. Wetherholt is one of the best collegiate baseball players in the country.
Yes, JJ Wetherholt is in the 2024 MLB draft, and there's a high chance he'll be one of the first names off the draft board. Let's take a look at the West Virginia star's collegiate career and examine what the hype is about.
How did JJ Wetherholt perform in West Virginia?
JJ Wetherholt had an impressive three-year collegiate baseball career in West Virginia. He was recruited from Mars Area High School and quickly adapted his game to the collegiate level.
Wetherholt joined West Virginia for his freshman season in 2022. He played in 54 games for the program (53 of which were starts). He finished the 2022 season with 64 hits, 51 runs, a team-leading 17 doubles, a triple and stole 15 bases. He earned an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors for his efforts.
Wetherholt entered his sophomore season with loads of expectations on his shoulders. He was arguably his team's best player, and MLB scouts were taking a closer look at his every move. He did not disappoint. Wetherholt led the country with a .449 batting average and amassed 16 home runs, 24 doubles and two triples.
For his efforts, he was named the 2023 Big 12 Player of the Year. He also earned unanimous First-Team All-American honors, as well as the NCBWA District 2 Player of the Year Award.
Wetherholt returned to West Virginia for his senior year as he aimed to consolidate his MLB draft stock. Unfortunately, his third year at West Virginia was riddled with injuries as he missed 24 games. He ended the year with eight home runs, eight doubles, 30 RBI, and 30 runs scored. Wetherholt earned All-Big 12 First Team honors despite his abridged campaign.
JJ Wetherholt's 2024 MLB draft projection
JJ Wetherholt is viewed by many draft outlets as the potential first-overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft. Bleacher Report and CBS Sports have the West Virginia star joining the Cleveland Guardians.
Wetherholt is viewed as arguably the best hitter in this year's draft class, and the Guardians could use a player like him on their roster. However, in a situation where the Guardians choose to go a different route, a franchise like the Los Angeles Angels could take a flier on Wetherholt. In fact, USA Today and MLB.com see Wetherholt sliding down the draft board and into the arms of the Angels.