Cardinals Prioritize Youth and Upside in 2026 Draft
The St. Louis Cardinals utilized a busy first day of the 2026 MLB Draft to secure a prospect haul centered on youth and high-ceiling talent. Entering the event with more Day 1 picks than any other club, the Cardinals selected seven players across the first four rounds, highlighted by high school outfielder Trevor Condon at 13th overall.
First-Round Focus: Trevor Condon
The Cardinals made a notable commitment to youth by selecting 18-year-old Trevor Condon in the first round. Condon, an outfielder from Etowah High School in Georgia, was recognized as the Georgia high school Player of the Year after leading his team to two Class 6A state championships. Cardinals assistant general manager Randy Flores praised Condon’s enthusiasm and focus, noting that the team spent time getting to know him during a private workout in Jupiter, Florida, and at the MLB Combine in Phoenix. “You want people to have a blast when they are playing this game,” Flores said. Condon’s scouting report highlights his speed, contact ability, and energy. During his senior season, the left-handed hitter posted a .504 average with nine home runs, 42 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 36 games. Area scout Brian Moehler, who has tracked Condon since high school, noted that Condon’s body has matured and he has consistently faced high-level competition. Despite being committed to Tennessee, Condon confirmed his intention to sign with the Cardinals, expressing a goal of building a lasting professional legacy.
Deepening Ties to Tennessee Pitching
With their second selection at 32nd overall, the Cardinals drafted Tennessee right-handed pitcher Tegan Kuhns. This pick continues a recent organizational trend of targeting Volunteers pitchers, following the selection of Liam Doyle and Tanner Franklin in 2025. Kuhns, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 25 draft prospect, features a fastball that reaches 98 mph with high spin, complemented by a curveball in the upper 70s. While he experienced an inconsistent collegiate career—including a move to the bullpen during his sophomore spring—he demonstrated significant progress by the end of the year. Kuhns finished his sophomore season with 106 strikeouts and 16 walks across 81 innings, including a 15-strikeout performance against Texas on May 8.
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A Strategy of Volume and Youth
The Cardinals’ approach on Saturday was defined by volume, as they made seven selections—the most of any team on the first day of the draft. In addition to Condon, the organization emphasized youth by selecting 17-year-old shortstop Rocco Maniscalco from Oxford, Alabama, with the 50th overall pick. Maniscalco is among the youngest players in the draft class and will not turn 18 until next May. The club also utilized two competitive balance picks, acquired in a trade that sent Brendan Donovan to the Mariners, to select outfielder Andrew Williamson (Central Florida) at 68th overall and right-hander Dawson Montesa (West Virginia) at 72nd overall. The team rounded out their Day 1 activity by selecting outfielder Caden Ferraro (Texas Tech) at 86th overall and shortstop Dee Kennedy at 114th overall.
Summary of Cardinals Day 1 Selections
| Pick | Player | Position | School/Origin | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | 13 | Trevor Condon | OF | Etowah HS (GA) | | 32 | Tegan Kuhns | RHP | Tennessee | | 50 | Rocco Maniscalco | SS | Oxford HS (AL) | | 68 | Andrew Williamson | OF | Central Florida | | 72 | Dawson Montesa | RHP | West Virginia | | 86 | Caden Ferraro | OF | Texas Tech | | 114 | Dee Kennedy | SS | N/A | The 2026 MLB Draft continues Sunday at 10:30 a.m. CT, covering rounds 5–20. Fans can follow the conclusion of the draft via MLB.com, MLB.TV, MLB+, and the MLB App.
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