Cardinals Hit Home Run with Two Standout Picks on Day 1 of MLB Draft
By Alexander Wilson | July 15, 2025
As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for what could be a challenging second half of the season—likely involving key trades and a retooling effort for 2026—their performance in the 2025 MLB Draft has drawn widespread acclaim.
While the major league roster is facing uncertainty, the franchise may have laid the foundation for a brighter future. The Cardinals’ draft haul on Day 1 was so impressive that Keith Law of The Athletic called it his “favorite draft class” of any team this year—a ringing endorsement for a team looking to reload.
Liam Doyle Adds Firepower to Cardinals’ Pitching Future
With their first-round selection, the Cardinals took a bold step by selecting Tennessee southpaw Liam Doyle. The left-hander was dominant in 2025, tallying 164 strikeouts over 95.2 innings and finishing with a 3.20 ERA that barely scratches the surface of his potential.
Doyle’s fastball has late life, and his devastating slider has scouts buzzing. Keith Law went as far as to call him “the best pitcher in the entire draft,” highlighting just how significant this pick could become for St. Louis’ pitching development pipeline.
Ryan Mitchell Delivers Tools and Excitement
In the second round, the Cardinals doubled down on talent by selecting shortstop Ryan Mitchell—an explosive offensive force at the college level. Mitchell posted a blistering .468 batting average and an eye-popping 1.531 OPS, while also smashing 10 home runs and stealing 38 bases.
Though he currently plays shortstop, Mitchell’s athleticism and speed could make him a future standout in the outfield. His potential is immense, and with professional development, he could turn into a game-changing asset.
A Draft Class Signaling a New Era in St. Louis
With frustration growing among fans over recent seasons of middling performance—and with trade rumors surrounding several veterans—the selections of Doyle and Mitchell point to a forward-thinking strategy. Both players bring elite upside and could become cornerstones of the next contending Cardinals roster.
Though there are no guarantees in the draft, these high-ceiling selections mark a refreshing shift in philosophy. If they pan out, this could be remembered as the draft that reignited championship aspirations in St. Louis.
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