2024 MLB Draft Profiles: JJ Wetherholt
Moving along through these prospects, we come to 21-year-old JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS out of West Virginia. Just a couple of months ago, MLB.com had him as the number-one rated prospect in this class. But after some drastic rises from other players, he now finds himself seventh on that list. Despite that, there is still a lot to love with this kid.
Scouting grades: Hit: 70 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 60
Despite a slight drop in rankings, JJ Wetherholts’s claim as the best pure hitter in this class is still one that very well could ring true. The lefty has an incredibly smooth swing that allows him to quickly get his hands through the ball. Which, in turn, allows him to spray the ball on all parts of the field. A true gift for any left-handed hitter.
His bat-to-ball skills are also elite, and he posted a 10% whiff rate in 2023 with the Mountaineers. He also provides a surprising amount of power for his 5’10 frame and, at worst, should have average power at the big-league level.
Even more impressive though is the fact that this power doesn’t come at the cost of overly pulling the ball. He has shown an ability to hit the ball hard to all parts of the field. Leading many to believe the power could actually carry with him to the majors.
The only real concern with JJ Wetherholt is his health; more specifically, he has a hamstring injury that has caused him to miss a lot of action this year. It’s nothing too serious, but it’s something to keep an eye on as we approach draft day in July.
The other slight concern is what position he will play. He grades more as a second baseman but has tried to make a move to shortstop. He would have the range and arm to do it, but many wonder if he would have the ability to make the routine plays.
But even if JJ Wetherholt decides to stay at second, his bat would grade him out as an elite hitter for the position with a plus glove. He also has shown the ability to be a stolen base threat, further proving just how versatile he truly is.
His position may still be a debate, but that bat alone will see him get taken in the top ten. The rest you can figure out as he develops.
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