Cardinals Weigh Options With No. 5 Draft Pick

The St. Louis Cardinals have secured the No. 5 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, their highest selection since 1998 and the first time in decades with back-to-back top-10 picks. Last year's first-round choice, JJ Wetherholt, has become the Cardinals’ top prospect, excelling in Triple-A and starring in the All-Star Futures Game, which has fueled speculation about his MLB debut and future position. The club faces a pivotal draft decision between selecting a polished college pitcher or a high-upside young infielder, a choice that could significantly influence the franchise's trajectory. Assistant GM Randy Flores highlighted the unpredictability of the baseball draft and cautioned against overvaluing immediate readiness. Promising performances continue from prospects like Nathan Church and from established players such as Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Masyn Winn, indicating a strong blend of youth and veteran talent. The outcome of the upcoming draft is widely viewed as a major turning point for the Cardinals’ future.