Potential prospects the St. Louis Cardinals might consider selecting with the fifth choice in the 2025 MLB Draft.
The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for the 2023 MLB Draft, with a focus on identifying high-potential players to bolster their roster. Among the top prospects attracting the Cardinals' interest are Eli Willits, Jamie Arnold, Aiva Arquette, and Billy Carlson.
Eli Willits, a high school shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton HS in Oklahoma, is a well-rounded prospect with strong hitting and defensive tools. Projected MLB stats suggest he could be a high-average hitter, with a batting average above .280, good walk rates, and moderate power, estimated at 15-20 home runs. His speed is also a significant asset, making him a valuable asset on both offence and defence. According to scouting grades, Willits' hit, run, arm, and field skills are all rated between 55 and 60, reflecting a prospect with strong contact, speed, and average power.
Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, is another promising candidate. Projected as a potential first-round pick, Arnold is considered a step above the Cardinals' 2022 first-rounder, Cooper Hjerpe. Arnold's interest from the Cardinals and his projected draft position suggest he has significant upside as a left-handed pitcher. Although detailed MLB stats and grades aren't available, his slot value of $8,134,800 indicates a highly valued prospect.
Aiva Arquette, a college position player from Oregon State, is generating interest due to his improvements in bat and glove. Arquette's power potential and plate discipline are particularly noteworthy, making him an interesting option for the Cardinals.
Billy Carlson, a high-school two-way talent from Corona HS in California, is also on the Cardinals' radar. As a shortstop, Carlson offers potential across the board, making him an intriguing prospect for the team.
The Cardinals' strategy for the 2023 draft and beyond is shifting from a safer approach to a higher ceiling approach. Chaim Bloom, the team's president of baseball operations, has been overhauling the Cardinals' minor league system, focusing on systems, technologies, and methods of player development. This shift in strategy suggests the Cardinals are aiming to take a more aggressive approach in their player acquisition, targeting players with high potential and upside.
In conclusion, the St. Louis Cardinals are showing interest in a range of promising prospects for the 2023 MLB Draft, including Eli Willits, Jamie Arnold, Aiva Arquette, and Billy Carlson. These players, along with the Cardinals' recent successful first-round picks Cooper Hjerpe and JJ Wetherholt, are indicative of the team's focus on identifying and nurturing high-potential players to bolster their roster. As the draft approaches, the Cardinals are poised to make strategic moves to secure the best talent available and continue their pursuit of success in the Major Leagues.
Eli Willits, a high school shortstop, is a well-rounded prospect who could become a high-average hitter with good walk rates in the MLB, while Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, is considered a step above the Cardinals' 2022 first-rounder and is projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2023 draft.
