photo: Cade Crossland (University of Oklahoma Athletics)
The St. Louis Cardinals are selecting 17 players in Day 2 of the 2025 First-Year Player Draft, led by lefty Cade Crossland of the University of Oklahoma.
The second and final day of the 2025 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, with the St. Louis Cardinals selections’ being made by AGM/Scouting Director Randy Flores, consists of 17 selections covering rounds 4-20 on Monday, July 14.
St. Louis’ initial Day 2 selection at 120th overall is left-handed pitcher Cade Crossland of the University of Oklahoma. He is MLB Pipeline’s no. 207 draft prospect.
See the Cardinals full 2025 Draft Day 1 details here.
For more
Return to this article at The Cardinal Nation often on Monday afternoon and evening as information about all St. Louis’ day 2 draft picks will be posted shortly as soon as possible after they are made.
To reference the Cardinals’ new draft class on an ongoing basis here at The Cardinal Nation, each player will have a profile located on a holding team called “DRAFT UNSIGNED PLAYERS”. This can be accessed at the bottom of the drop-down menu in the red column in the left menu called “ROSTERS/PLAYERS/MOVES” or click here.
Post draft summary
Here are the 21 picks from the entire draft broken out by class in school and by position as announced by the Cardinals.
| By Class | College Jr | College Sr | High School |
| 14 | 6 | 1 | |
| By Position | LHP | RHP | C |
| 2 | 10 | 1 | |
| 1B | SS | 3B | |
| 1 | 3 | 1 | |
| OF | |||
| 3 |
After the Day 2 selections concluded, Cardinals Assistant GM and Director of Scouting Randy Flores met with the media.
Regarding the high number of swing and miss pitchers selected, Flores said that picking fifth overall “set the tone”. He focused on potentially expanding the use of multiple inning relievers as the Cardinals “go bigger in their range of outcomes.”
Who cannot be encouraged that the organization is taking swings at big arms instead of loading up on safer picks with lower ceilings?
I asked him if there is a correlation between the Cardinals not taking a hard-to-sign high schooler (“Parachute Pick”) at the end of the draft and a higher level of confidence they can sign their top picks.
Flores basically agreed, saying there is less risk in any of their top selections “going sideways” in the signing process.
To that point, teams have just two weeks to get their draftees under contract. This year’s deadline is Monday, July 28.
Though two of the three outfielders are right-handed hitting, Flores did not link that to St. Louis’ current need.
Further Flores comments are inserted below.
St. Louis’ selections – 2025 Draft Day 2
Fourth round, 120th overall
Cade Crossland, LHP
6’2/210 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/L
Hometown: Rockwall, TX
Crossland is well-traveled. He started in Division II then went the junior college route before landing at Oklahoma for his junior season. For the Sooners, Crossland was limited by a back injury and struggled to a 6.32 ERA, but his 84 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings generated attention.
Crossland has a low to mid-90s fastball that can touch 98. He also features a changeup that is a plus offering and a slider that remains a work in progress.
Flores acknowledged that Crossland’s strikeouts are “big” and the Cardinals have a history drafting Oklahoma players (including Braden Davis one year ago). “He (Crossland) has better days ahead in pro ball,” the scouting director concluded.
Crossland was Baseball America’s no. 173 player in this draft class and 207th per MLB Pipeline.
Signing scout: Dirk Kinney
The pool amount for this pick is $629,500.
Fifth round, 150th overall
Ethan Young, RHP
East Carolina University, junior
6’2, 220 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Harrisburg, NC
A third baseman in high school, Young moved the mound as a collegian. Starting at Hillsborough Community College in 2023, he moved to Catwaba Valley Community College in 2024, where he fanned 49 against just 10 walks in 35 2/3 innings.
Young moved to ECU for 2025. In 23 long relief appearances for the Pirates, he fanned 92 against 34 walks in 70 1/3 innings. He sports a mid-90s fastball that touches 99. Young also has a mid-80s slider that some call “filthy” and less frequently used changeup and curve.
He is another example of a pitcher who did not start in college who may receive that opportunity as a professional.
Young was not among MLB Pipeline’s Top 250 draft eligible prospects. He was no. 355 on Baseball America’s list.
Signing scout: TC Calhoun
The pool amount for this pick is $470,100.
Sixth round, 180th overall
Matthew Miura, center fielder
University of Hawaii, junior
5’11, 185 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Miura, a center fielder, has good bat to ball skills as evidenced by his performance in the Northlands and Cape Cod summer wooden bat leagues. In 55 games in 2024 in the Northlands, Miura stole 34 bases in 41 attempts and posted a .957 OPS. This summer in the Cape, his OPS was .801 and he stole seven bags in 16 games.
In 55 games with the Rainbows this spring, Miura slashed .338/.454/.460/.914 with 18 steals in 24 attempts. His walk count of 46 (against just 20 strikeouts) led the Big West Conference. Miura was especially good when it counted, hitting .481 with runners in scoring position and .410 with two outs.
Signing scout: Mike Garciaparra
The pool amount for this pick is $358,700.
Seventh round, 210th overall
Payton Graham, RHP
Gonzaga University, junior
6’2, 220 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Kennewick, WA
For the second consecutive draft, the Cardinals took a recent Tommy John patient in the seventh round. Last year’s pick, Andrew Dutkanych from Vanderbilt, just made his professional debut last week.
A similar expectation should be attached to Graham, who made just one start this spring prior to requiring April surgery, but had previously impressed in the 2024 Northwoods League (1.99 ERA and 33 Ks in 22 2/3 IP).
Graham has a still-improving mid-90’s fastball that can reach 97 plus two breaking balls including a plus curve. Command had been an action item, but we will have to see what happens in 2026 post-recovery.
Graham was MLB Pipeline’s 221th ranked draft eligible prospect and 254th on Baseball America’s list.
Flores likes the upside of his arm and cited the way he works as an indication he will be disciplined during his long rehab ahead. The scouting director also believed that without the injury, Graham would not have been available in the seventh round. (Some think he has top three round talent.)
Signing scout: Donnie Marbut
The pool amount for this pick is $280,800.
Eighth round, 240th overall
Ryan Weingartner, SS
Penn State University, junior
5’11, 184 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Berlin, NJ
Weingartner spent his first two seasons at St. Joseph and received first team all-Atlantic 10 honors as a sophomore in 2024. He transferred to Penn State for his junior season and had an .853 OPS.
The 21-year-old has a reputation for not chasing. He walked (44) almost as much as he struck out (49) and his 30 stolen bases (in 33 attempts) set a new Nittany Lions record. Weingartner’s run tool is his best at 60.
Weingartner reportedly hit the ball hard at the Draft Combine. That coupled with his 11 home runs suggest there could be more power coming.
Defensively, second base may be his eventual home. Flores called out Weingartner’s versatility as a differentiator.
Weingartner was MLB Pipeline’s 240th ranked draft eligible prospect.
Signing scout: Jim Negrych
The pool amount for this pick is $226,500.
Ninth round, 270th overall
Michael Dattalo, 3B
Dallas Baptist University (TX), junior
6’0, 204 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Keller, TX
Dattalo began at Northwestern State and also played in the Cape Cod League in 2024. In two seasons at Dallas Baptist, Dattalo slashed .332/.414/.477/.891. In 2025, he walked more (41) than he struck out (32).
Dattalo is considered more of a hit over power prospect and may end up at first base defensively.
Signing scout: Pete Parise
The pool amount for this pick is $202,500.
Dattalo clears the bases! 💪#BestBaseballinDallas | @dbuathletics pic.twitter.com/fa1KbbhftC
— DBU Baseball (@DBU_Baseball) May 4, 2025
Flashing the leather this afternoon‼️#BestBaseballinDallas | @DBUAthletics pic.twitter.com/kY5u1tDYkf
— DBU Baseball (@DBU_Baseball) April 6, 2025
10th round, 300th overall
Ty Van Dyke, RHP
Stetson University (FL), senior
6’2/255 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Eustis, FL
Van Dyke began at Seminole State College and remained in the Sunshine State. As a senior in 2025, Van Dyke was named to the Baseball America All-America Third Team, which is notable since he hails from the Atlantic Sun Conference.
This season, Van Dyke served as the Stetson Hatters’ closer. He appeared in 27 games, with 7-0 record, nine saves, a 1.52 ERA, 16 walks and 71 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings.
Van Dyke has two-pitch offering that slates him for relief. His fastball is 91-93 mph and tops at 95-97. He also has a low 80’s slider that he can keep around the zone.
Van Dyke was Baseball America’s 351st ranked draft eligible prospect.
Signing scout: Josh Lopez
The pool amount for this pick is $190,500.
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11th round, 330th overall
Jalin Flores, SS
University of Texas, junior
6’2/210 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
In his junior year this season, Flores batted just .239 with a .317 OBP at the University of Texas. The free swinger has even splits and potential 20-home run power, though his free swinging ways will restrict his batting average.
While a Longhorn, Flores was tutored by former MLB All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzski. If he cannot remain at short, Flores has the arm (his best tool at 60) and bat to be able to handle third base.
Flores on Flores: The scouting director singled out the player’s “track record up the middle” as his differentiator.
Flores was ranked by MLB Pipeline as the 235th prospect in this draft class. As such, it might require the Cardinals to go a bit above the $150,000 base to sign him.
Signing scout: Pete Parise
12th round, 360th overall
Kaden Echeman, RHP
Northern Kentucky University, senior
6’0, 190 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/R
Hometown: Vandalia, OH
Echeman, currently 22 1/2 years old, is one of the older players in this class. He is a senior after having missed his junior year.
The righty made up for some of his lost time by pitching in the Cape Cod League this summer, posting a 2.25 ERA in four starts. Echeman fanned 24 but walked eight in 16 frames.
His fastball is in the 91-92 range and touches 96 with exceptional shape and movement.
This spring for Northern Kentucky, Echeman logged a 4.34 ERA in 12 appearances including eight starts. He struck out 87 and walked 23 in 56 innings.
Signing scout: Jason Bryans
13th round, 390th overall
Jake Shelagowski, RHP
Saginaw Valley State (MI), junior
6’3, 210 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Saginaw, MI
Shelagowski stayed close to home, attending college in his home town. He redshirted in 2023 and pitched in very limited action in 2024, with six strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings with a 4.05 ERA.
He took over the closer job for the Cardinals this season, setting a new school record with 11 saves. Shelagowski struck out 13.8 batters per nine innings and posted a 3.78 ERA.
Signing scout: Jason Bryans
Jake Shelagowski for @svsubaseball earns save No. 11 on the final day of the regular season, setting a new single-season record in saves!🎉
Here's the poetic ending with the final out being flipped to Shelagowski at first base#BeaksUp #GoCards #StandOut #Record pic.twitter.com/xXOocysQB9
— svsuathletics (@svsuathletics) May 4, 2025
14th round, 420th overall
Anthony Watts, RHP
University of Iowa, junior
6’4/175 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Clive, IA
Watts spent his freshman year at Creighton before transferring to Iowa. With the Hawkeyes, the right-hander featured the combination of a low to mid 90’s fastball that touches 96 and a upper 80’s slider.
Working exclusively out of the bullpen, Watts had a better year in 2024 (3.18 ERA) than in 2025 (4.72). This season, he struck out 45 and walked 19 in 40 innings.
Signing scout: Mauricio Rubio
RHP Anthony Watts (@UIBaseball) pumping heat at 93-95, up to 96. Firm & tight SL (clip) flashed bite in 86-90 range.
Soph./‘25 elig. pic.twitter.com/zblpLpKEqe
— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 25, 2024
15th round, 450th overall
Trevor Haskins, SS
Stanford University, senior
6’1, 194 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Haskins played all four seasons at Stanford with his senior season his best. In 2025, the right-handed hitter slashed .294/.341/.508/.849. He slammed a career-high 14 home runs in 221 at-bats. Haskins struck out just 32 times, but took far fewer walks with just 12.
Haskins played in the wood bat leagues each summer, starting in the Northwoods League in 2022 and the Cape Cod League in 2023, and briefly in 2024. In 2023, he starred with a 1.067 OPS.
Defensively, Haskins has experience at second and third base as well as short.
Signing scout: Stacey Pettis
FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES WITH A HOMER FOR @trevorhaskins_!
📺 » ACC Network Extra | #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/7qkGpdfNV3
— Stanford Baseball (@StanfordBSB) February 25, 2025
"Drop Whatever You're Doing and Watch"@trevorhaskins_ is must-see TV 🍿#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/XxlS2Yu6op
— Stanford Baseball (@StanfordBSB) February 26, 2025
16th round, 480th overall
Alex Breckheimer, RHP
University of Kansas, junior
6’5, 270 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Chilton, WI
Breckheimer, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound right-hander, overpowered hitters this spring as Kansas’ closer, his only year pitching in Division I.
He features a mid-90-mph fastball that can touch 98 and a slider. He posted a 3.56 ERA with 50 strikeouts and 14 walks across 48 innings.
Breckheimer began his career as a freshman at Bryant and Stratton Junior College.
Signing scout: Dirk Kinney
17th round, 510th overall
Cameron Nickens, OF
Austin Peay (TN), senior
6’3, 190 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Magnolia, TX
As you can see by the list of offensive results below, Nickens had a tremendous season that included All-America recognition.
Of course, the Cardinals also noted this. Flores reminded us that his scouts were looking for outliers and Nickens has already “made the jump in performance.” Specifics include exit velocity and power. The scouting director said the Cardinals are “taking a stab on his upswing.”
Nickens began his college journey with three seasons at the University of Houston before experiencing this major jump in performance in 2025 at Austin Peay.
Signing scout: TC Calhoun
Cameron Nickens, OF
2025 Draft ProspectAVG Exit Velo: 93.3 mph
Hard Hit %: 70.3%
Peak Exit Velo: 114.9 mphBA: 0.422
OPS: 1.288
ABs: 237
Hits: 100
2B: 24
3B: 2
HR: 18
Runs: 72
RBIs: 71
BBs: 47
HBPs: 6
SOs: 28
SBs: 8 pic.twitter.com/nR0A1T0ccg— Austin Peay Baseball Data and Analytics (@GovsBSBData) June 10, 2025
18th round, 540th overall
Dylan Driessen, RHP
South Dakota State University, junior
6’3, 220 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Driessen pitched three seasons at South Dakota State (2023-25) and finished third in program history with an average of 12.93 strikeouts per nine innings (148 K/103 IP). He posted a 5.77 ERA with seven saves in 61 career games.
The right-hander was the Jackrabbits’ closer as a junior in 2025. He posted a team-best six saves while striking out 50 in 35 innings and held opposing hitters to a collective .233 batting average.
Signing scout: Mauricio Rubio
19th round, 570th overall
Liam Best, RHP
Appalachian State, senior
6’2, 213 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Sterling, VA
The right-hander began his college career at George Washington University, then moved to the State College of Florida before transferring to Appalachian State.
In 2025, Best made 22 appearances including seven starts and logged a 5.36 ERA. He struck out 50 in 40 1/3 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .248 batting average.
Signing scout: TC Calhoun
20th round, 600th overall
Chase Heath, catcher
University of Central Missouri, senior
5’10, 200 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: O’Fallon, MO
Following his season with Central Missouri, Heath competed in the MLB Draft League, hitting .310 with 12 RBI and five steals in 14 games.
He offers an interesting combination of offense and defense. Heath won an MIAA Conference Gold Glove in 2024, and hit 27 home runs over his career while hitting .349 with a 1.049 OPS. He took 58 walks against just 44 strikeouts in 146 career games.
Flores called Heath “a good catcher”, is “good with the staff” and has “a good reputation”. It is plus that he is area product.
Heath was drafted on his 22nd birthday!
Signing scout: Dirk Kinney
Chase Heath blasts his 2nd HR in as many games as the @mvscrappers now trail by just one‼️@mlbdraftleague | @ChaseHeath4810 pic.twitter.com/xAeVYa9s89
— MLB Draft League Data (@draftleaguedata) July 2, 2025
Chase Heath takes a look at his go-ahead 💣 to give the Scrappers a 4-3 lead! 👀
Heath has now driven in a run in 4/5 games this week (5 total).@mvscrappers | @ChaseHeath4810 pic.twitter.com/acRiE33vzE
— MLB Draft League (@mlbdraftleague) June 29, 2025
What is next?
Check back at The Cardinal Nation often as player signing information trickles in over the upcoming days.
Earlier article
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