Joe Doyle, a senior analyst for Future Stars Series, has released his latest 2024 mock draft and has the Pittsburgh Pirates making a hometown selection.
With the ninth pick, Doyle has the Pirates taking infielder JJ Wetherholt from West Virginia University. Wetherholt graduated from Mars Area High School, the same school that produced current Pirates closer David Bednar.
Though the Pirates would land Wetherholt with the ninth pick in FSS’s mock draft, MLB Pipeline currently ranks the 21-year-old as the top draft prospect available.
Pipeline considered the lefty-swinger to have a 70-grade pure hit tool on the 20-80 scouting scale. In addition to his hitting ability, Pipeline labels Wetherholt as an above-average runner with average power, fielding and arm tools.
Wetherholt burst onto the scene last year by being named the Big 12 Player of the Year in addition to receiving first-team conference honors. In 55 games, he slashed an unworldly .449/.517/.787 with 24 doubles, 16 home runs, 60 RBIs and 36 stolen bases. He had more walks (26) than strikeouts (22).
In addition to the awards and recognition he received last year, Wetherholt was selected to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team in 2022.
A hamstring injury has limited Wetherholt to a dozen games with the Mountaineers this season, but he continues to impress. So far on the year, he has compiled a .342/.482/.561 batting line with three doubles, a pair of home runs, eight RBIs and three steals.
It’s likely a longshot to think Wetherholt could fall as far to the Pirates’ pick. Here is what Doyle had to say on the pick.
“A hamstring has slowed his ability to get on the field to this point, but most scouts and front office folks don’t see a scenario where he falls far. Considering his athleticism and impact in the box, he’s a rare breed in what is a down year for up-the-middle talents.”
If the Pirates were able to land Wetherholt, he would provide a major boost to their minor-league system.
To read Doyle’s full mock draft, CLICK HERE.
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