Cardinals Strengthen Farm System with Strategic College Picks in Rounds 5 and 6
The St. Louis Cardinals continued to build toward a more competitive future during Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft by targeting experienced and high-upside collegiate talent. With selections in the fifth and sixth rounds, the organization made a calculated move to inject a mix of raw power and polished skills into its minor league system, choosing right-handed pitcher Ethan Young from East Carolina University and outfielder Matthew Miura from the University of Hawai‘i.
Ethan Young, the fifth-round pick, emerged as one of the more intriguing arms in college baseball this year. In just one season with ECU, Young compiled a flawless 5-0 win-loss record, logged a 3.84 ERA, and racked up an impressive 92 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched. He made a name for himself as a flamethrower with a fastball that regularly sits in the mid-90s and has reached as high as 99 mph. While he mostly operated in relief during his college campaign, scouts see untapped potential in his arm, which could translate to a valuable bullpen or even rotation piece down the line.
In the sixth round, the Cardinals switched gears to secure a sparkplug at the top of the lineup by drafting Matthew Miura, a high-contact and high-energy outfielder. Miura lit up the Big West Conference in 2025, leading the Rainbow Warriors in multiple offensive categories — including a stellar .338 batting average, 72 hits, 53 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. What truly sets him apart, however, is his advanced plate discipline: Miura walked 46 times while striking out just 20 times over the season. His sharp eye and consistent contact suggest he could thrive as a reliable leadoff hitter with sneaky power.
By targeting both a power arm and a disciplined bat from strong collegiate programs, the Cardinals are clearly aiming to retool their prospect pipeline with players who bring both immediate potential and long-term promise. These selections reflect a broader organizational strategy to restore depth, balance, and versatility across the minor leagues — essential ingredients for a team striving to return to sustained postseason contention.
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