The 2024 MLB amateur draft concluded with the Washington Nationals selecting Oklahoma prep shortstop Eli Willits with the third overall pick, marking a significant moment for the franchise. Willits, who won’t turn 18 until December, showcases tremendous potential but won't be the first to reach the majors. The draft saw various other notable picks, with players like Tyler Bremner and Jamie Arnold highlighted for their abilities and likely quick ascensions to MLB.

Bremner, selected second by the Los Angeles Angels, is known for his changeup and improving fastball, while Arnold, taken 11th by the Athletics, has the tools to become an above-average big-league starter. Gage Wood, the wild card at 26 to the Phillies, is viewed as potentially the best pitcher in the class, but injury concerns linger. Kade Anderson, the third pick by the Mariners, possesses a full arsenal of pitches, suggesting he might not need extensive minor league time. Lastly, Liam Doyle stands out as a fastball-heavy prospect for the Cardinals, although he might face a slower development path.

The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant move in the MLB Draft by selecting Liam Doyle, a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher from the University of Tennessee, with the fifth overall pick. Doyle, a first-team All-American and Perfect Game’s Pitcher of the Year, is already drawing comparisons to established MLB stars. Notably, he has been likened to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, due to his mid-90s fastball and similar pitching style.

In 2025, Skubal boasts an impressive 10-3 record, a 2.23 ERA, and a 0.83 WHIP, making him a favorite to win the Cy Young again. Doyle’s fastball can reach up to 100 mph, akin to Skubal's, while he is still refining his breaking pitches, mirroring Skubal’s successful repertoire. The Cardinals hope Doyle can develop into a cornerstone of their pitching staff, especially considering comparisons to former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray and Cardinals Hall of Famer Al Hrabosky.

The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant move in the 2025 MLB Draft by selecting Tennessee Volunteers pitcher Liam Doyle with the fifth overall pick. Doyle, who boasted a 10-4 record with a 3.20 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 95.2 innings, has drawn comparisons to Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider, particularly due to his fastball that has reached up to 100 mph. As he transitions from college to the pros, Doyle is touted for his ability to throw strikes and his repertoire that includes a splitter and slider.

Strider, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, has experienced ups and downs but is noted for his command and stamina. If Doyle can replicate Strider's success while addressing concerns about his command, he could potentially become a dominant force in the MLB. The Cardinals are looking for a franchise cornerstone, and Doyle might just be the answer.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made strategic moves in the 2025 MLB Draft, starting with their first pick, Liam Doyle, a pitcher from Tennessee, selected 5th overall. Following Doyle, the Cardinals continued to lean on talent from Tennessee, adding Ryan Mitchell from Houston High School and Tanner Franklin, a fellow pitcher, showcasing a clear focus on strengthening their pitching lineup.

The draft spans over 20 rounds, with a total of 21 selections for the Cardinals, indicating a robust approach to enhancing their farm system. Players like Cade Crossland and Ethan Young will also play vital roles in the Cardinals' future, potentially impacting their High-A affiliate, the Peoria Chiefs.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made a significant impression with their selections on the first day of the 2025 MLB Draft, starting with left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle at No. 5. Following this, the team picked up three more promising talents, including 18-year-old Ryan Mitchell, a middle infielder from Germantown, Tennessee, known for his excellent batting discipline. Although he might transition from shortstop due to organizational depth, his potential at the plate makes him an exciting prospect. Next, they added Tanner Franklin, a hard-throwing right-handed reliever, who boasts a fastball reaching 102 mph. He comes with a closing potential, despite having struggled with command inconsistencies in college. Rounding out their first-day picks was Jack Gurevitch, a first baseman from the University of San Diego, whose left-handed power is still developing but showcases significant upside.