Pre-Draft Report: Cardinals
- Jim Santora
- Mar 13, 2025
- 2 min read
For 2025, the Cardinals consider themselves contenders for a post-season spot. How far they climb will be based on how they appropriate their ten picks in the first six rounds, particularly their two first-rounders.
Street scuttlebutt says they are locked in on Paul Skenes with the number two pick. One franchise insider has said, "If Skenes is there at 2 and he doesn't take him, he's a friggin moron."
The Redbirds currently have gaping holes in their outfield and rotation and are lacking in both team speed and power. There is young some young talent, but not enough to overcome the aging cornerstones — Freeman and Arenado. Catching is once again a strength with the flying Contreras brothers.
Through keen trades last year, the Cardinals netted plenty of draft capital, shortstop Masyn Winn and the strongest bullpen in the KPSL. Their defense is sound if not unbalanced. This isn't a rebuild. The Cardinals remain content with plugging in some new pieces and hoping to balance some wins off of a dubiously cracked foundation.
Once again, the Redbirds hope to win a lot of 3-2 games. Their success will be dependent on how they work the draft, balancing current needs with long-term franchise objectives.
Since joining the KPSL, team manager Todd Schmidt has seemed obsessed with having a balanced club vs. delivering an actually great one. The Cardinals have long been solid everywhere and spectacular nowhere. Their lack of a trophy has reflected this philosophy.
Will the Cardinals go with a prospect-laden draft haul and forgo a playoff run? Will they go "sorta-in" once again and plug some holes and hope for the best? Or will the big man bite the bullet and commit to a championship run in 2025?
