Just a few months ago, MLB prospect JJ Wetherholt was likely to be the top pick in the summer draft as a lefty-hitting infielder from West Virginia. However, due to a hamstring injury and strong performances from other players, he might be available for the Guardians. ESPN's mock draft has the Red Sox choosing him at number 12. Red Sox Wetherholt has played different positions for the Mountaineers and could potentially play as an outfielder long-term, but initially, he might start as a shortstop or second baseman due to the large number of outfielders. The Red Sox are interested in Wetherholt for his batting, not his fielding. He had an outstanding season in 2023, hitting .449 with 24 doubles, 16 home runs, and 60 RBIs in 55 games, and also stealing 36 bases. Despite dealing with a hamstring injury this season, Wetherholt has returned and is hitting .368 with a 1.146 OPS in 23 games.
The Red Sox have the 12th pick in the MLB Draft.
According to ESPN Insider Kiley McDaniel, the Red Sox may benefit from the deep pool of talented college players and high-school pitchers in the upcoming draft, despite not having a Top 10 position.
McDaniel suggests that Trey Yesavage, Seaver King, and Cameron Smith are all good choices for the Red Sox, given their preferences. He also highlights Wetherholt's past ranking as the top prospect before his injury.
Wetherholt has a career batting average of .379 at WVU and is considered an outstanding hitter.
Wetherholt's bat is highly regarded, as he has excellent contact rates, impressive power, and the ability to hit to all parts of the field.
At Prospects Live, it is stated that Wetherholt's bat is truly exceptional and combines pure hitting ability and power, making it one of the best in the nation.
JJ Wetherholt has been dealing with hamstring problems. Wetherholt had a hamstring injury while playing for Team USA last year, adding to the Red Sox's concerns about injury-prone infielders, given their current season's events.
A hopeful comeback season for the frequently injured shortstop Trevor Story was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Furthermore, star first baseman Tristan Casas has been out with a rib injury, and four Red Sox starting pitchers have also faced injury setbacks. And, practically, despite the injury, McDaniel's prediction may be overly hopeful for the Red Sox. It's quite probable that he will be selected before the 12th pick. However, there is still hope.The Red Sox hold the 12th pick in the next MLB draft, but ESPN predicts that they will choose JJ Wetherholt — a possible first overall pick.
“Wetherholt utilizes the whole field to his advantage and will punish the gaps with legitimate above-average to plus power, which also plays well to his pull side. It’s a truly special bat.”
JJ Wetherholt Has Dealt With Hamstring Issues
Wetherholt also suffered a hamstring injury that limited in with Team USA last year, and no doubt, Red Sox fans would be within their rights to bristle at injury-prone infielders with the way this season has unfolded.
A promising bounce-back season for oft-injured shortstop Trevor Story was cut extremely short when Story suffered a shoulder injury that ended his season just eight games in. Star first baseman Tristan Casas has been out since late April with a rib injury and is unlikely to be back until after the All-Star break. And four Red Sox starting pitchers have missed time with injuries, including projected ace Lucas Giolito.
And, realistically, even with the injury McDaniel’s projection might be wildly optimistic for the Red Sox. It’s very likely that he will be gone well ahead of the No. 12 pick. But there’s hope.
