In various mockups, JJ Wetherholt looks to be going as high as 1st overall in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Various news outlets have Wetherholt going anywhere from the 1st pick to the 5th pick in their mock drafts. Here’s a look at some of the most noteworthy and what they have to say about the West Virginia infielder:
MLB.com Projection: 5th Overall to the Chicago White Sox
“If he doesn’t go No. 1, this could be a very good landing spot for the middle infielder, though the White Sox are also digging into Kurtz, Smith and Burns on the college side along with the top two high school hitters — Konnor Griffin and Bryce Rainer.”
Notably, Wetherholt ranks 4th on MLB.com’s draft prospect ranking, but slides to the 5th overall pick.
CBS Sports Projection: 1st Overall to the Cleveland Guardians
“For now, we’re going to say Wetherholt sneaks in as the No. 1 pick. He was viewed as a No. 1 pick candidate entering the spring, before a hamstring strain sidelined him about six weeks. The money matters as much as the talent. The Guards have a competitive-balance pick (No. 36) and any bonus pool money they save here can be spent on a high-end talent later. If Wetherholt does not go No. 1, there’s a real chance he falls out of the top five entirely. In that case, taking a below-slot bonus here is better than taking a slot bonus later, plus he gets to say he was the No. 1 pick in the country. The No. 1 pick is far from decided though.”
Wetherholt’s hamstring strain has been a common talking point amongst draft experts, and is why many believe that there’s a chance that he isn’t selected first overall. We’ll see which teams consider it a major concern on draft night.
ESPN Projection: 1st Overall to the Cleveland Guardians
“He might be a major league shortstop and is definitely an infielder. He’s basically above average at everything ranging from the elements of hitting to all five traditional physical tools. He’s devalued a bit from playing in the Big 12 (rather than the SEC or ACC) and missing half the season with a hamstring strain while also not having a conventional physical look to a No. 1 pick. For all of these reasons, he may actually cut a deal — especially since there doesn’t seem to be a path for him to go in the top five other than at this pick. And there’s a whiff of Jose Ramirez to his game, rumored to be the archetype Cleveland has been using in prioritizing hit-first, up-the-middle type players for close to a decade.”
“Taking Wetherholt here fits the Guardians’ preferred type of player, fits their prioritization of bonus pool value and leans into the smart player demographic play.”
The Athletic Projection: 5th Overall to the Chicago White Sox
“Wetherholt’s spot will come down to what team doctors think about his hamstring injuries. The White Sox have been linked to him, Burns, Caglianone and Griffin.”
Bleacher Report Projection: 1st Overall to the Cleveland Guardians
“(Wetherholt) missed some time with a hamstring strain this spring and didn’t face the same grueling conference schedule playing in the Big 12, but his 70-grade hit tool makes him, arguably, the best pure hitter in the 2024 class. He batted .370/.468/.625 in 145 games at West Virginia and could fly through the minor leagues.”
Pitcher List Projection: 1st Overall to the Cleveland Guardians
“Wetherholt came into the season as the number one draft prospect in the sport. This was due to an unbelievable Sophomore season where he showcased plus power & speed with elite bat to ball skills. He also performed extremely well with Team USA in the Summer. He dealt with a hamstring injury on and off this season, which led to some inconsistencies, but the Guardians are really good at evaluating the whole prospect, not just the 2024 season. Similar to when they took Chase DeLauter 16th overall after an injury-riddled Junior season, don’t be surprised if the Guardians go with Wetherholt.”
Wetherholt will be selected in the MLB draft on July 14th beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
