St. Louis Cardinals Select 16 to Conclude 2026 Draft

photo: Cal Randall (UCLA Athletics)

The second and final day of the 2026 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, with the St. Louis Cardinals selections’ being made by Scouting Director Zach Mortimer under the leadership of AGM Randy Flores, consists of 16 selections covering rounds 5-20 on Sunday, July 12.

St. Louis’ initial Day 2 selection in the fifth round at 146th overall is UCLA reliever Cal Randall.

See the Cardinals full 2026 Draft Day 1 details here.

Cardinals Lead with Trevor Condon on 2026 MLB Draft Day 1

Update: Draft summary

Overall in the 2026 Draft, the Cardinals took 12 pitchers, 11 of whom are right-handers. They also added 11 position players – one catcher, five infielders and five outfielders.

After St. Louis took a high schooler in the second round in 2025, they matched that in 2026 – and took one in the first round also!

The sweet spot is college juniors, as is always the case, with 15. The Cardinals selected one sophomore, and made five selections who are either seniors or graduate students.

Initially, I thought the latter was a high number, perhaps signaling considerable cost savings. However, the 2025 senior total was one higher at six.

Then again, 2025 was the first year in a very long time in which the Cardinals kept total spending underneath the allocation and did not use the allowable five percent overage.

Let’s see what happens between now and the July 27 signing deadline.

For more

Return to this article at The Cardinal Nation often on Sunday 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.

St. Louis’ selections – 2026 Draft Day 2

Fifth round, 146th overall – Cal Randall – P

UCLA, junior
6’4/235 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Discovery Bay, California

Cal Randall

Randall is known for arm strength and velocity. The UCLA junior relies heavily on his fastball, which comes from a low release point. It averages 97 mph and can touch 101. The big reliever also has a slider/cutter in the low 90s.

In 2026, Randall logged a 3.19 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 19 walks across 31 innings in 34 appearances.

Like many who throw hard, Randall’s future success may hinge on improving his control.

There is a difference of opinion between Baseball America and MLB Pipeline regarding Randall. BA ranked him their no. 122 draft eligible prospect, but Pipeline put him at no. 218.

The pool amount for this pick is $501,300.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Mike Garciaparra                   MLB Draft Video: LINK

  • Was 3-0 with a 3.19 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts in 31.0 IP for a 16.5 K/9 rate across 34 appearances as a junior this season at UCLA.
  • His 44.2% strikeout rate in 2026 was the second-best in college baseball among pitchers who threw at least 30 innings.
  • Posted a 3.43 ERA over 65 appearances and 63.0 innings with a 35.5% strikeout rate in his three seasons out the Bruins bullpen.
  • Is the first UCLA product selected by St. Louis since RHP Charles Harrison IV in 2023 (7th round) and the second UCLA player chosen by St. Louis in the 5th round, joining Jermaine Curtis (2008).
  • Participated in the 2022 MLB/USA Baseball Prospect Development Pipeline League.
  • Admires Nolan Ryan. Can ride a unicycle.
  • Son of Cindy and Jay; has one brother, Danny.

Sixth round, 175th overall – Owen Henne – SS

Seton Hill University, junior
6’3/188 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Wexford, PA

Owen Henne

Owen Henne (Seton Hill University Athletics)

This was a pick out of left field by the Cardinals as Henne was not among BA’s Top 500 draft prospects nor did he make Pipeline’s Top 250. Likely the organization will get some cost savings with this selection.

Henne spent his first three seasons at Division II Seton Hill and committed to West Virginia University for his senior season. With good bat-to-ball skills, Henne hit .401 in 42 games for the Griffins this spring. He drew 20 walks compared to just 17 strikeouts.

The right-handed hitter then competed in the MLB Draft League this summer for the West Virginia Black Bears, where he slashed .302/.486/.528/1.014 in 16 games. Walks and strikeouts were equal at 11.

Defensively, Henne has been a shortstop, but may be a utility player as he moves through the system.

The pool amount for this pick is $383,400.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Jim Negrych

  • Batted .302/.486/.528 with a 1.015 OPS in 16 games with West Virginia Black Bears in the 2026 MLB Draft League, where he was a teammate of Cardinals 15th round draft pick RHP Brian Garmon II.
  • Hit .401/.489/.592 with 10 2B, 5 HR, 39 RBI and 45 runs scored in 43 games for Division II Seton Hill (Pa.) University as a junior in 2026. Led the team as a sophomore with a .375 batting average and .575 slugging percentage.
  • Drew more walks (64) in his three-year career at Seton Hill than strikeouts (54).
  • Played two seasons for the Prospect League’s Cape Catfish in Cape Girardeau, Mo., from 2024-25.
  • Committed to transfer to West Virginia University in June.
  • Son of Jason and Allison Henne; has one brother, Adam, and one sister, Calle, who plays softball at the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Father played football at Duquesne, while his mother was on the rowing crew. His uncle, Aaron Henne, played football at the University of Maryland.

Seventh round, 204th overall – Derek Schaefer – P

Arizona State, junior
6’3/210 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Cave Creek, AZ

Derek Schaefer

Derek Schaefer (Arizona State University Athletics)

Schaefer spent his freshman year at Tennessee before moving closer to home at Arizona State for the last two springs.

He pitched in the Cape Cod League in 2025, logging a 3.86 ERA in eight relief appearances. Schaefer struck out 23 but issued 18 walks in 28 innings.

As the Sun Devils’ closer in 2026, he picked up nine saves while striking out over 11 batters per nine innings. Schaefer’s ERA was 5.88, however. His strikeout to walk count was 42 to 14.

The right-hander’s fastball is in the 93-96 mph range and he has a low-80’s curveball.

Schaefer was unranked by MLB Pipeline and was 403rd on Baseball America’s top 500 draft eligible prospects.

The pool amount for this pick is $302,300.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Matt Grangetto

  • Posted a team-high 9 saves and tied for the team lead with 31 appearances in 2026 for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
  • Made eight appearances (4 starts) for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the 2025 Cape Cod League, going 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA.
  • Pitched for the 2024 NCAA Division I-champion University of Tennessee squad as a freshman.
  • Participated in the 2022 Perfect Game National Showcase at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., and the 2021 Perfect Game Jr. National Showcase.
  • Is the first Arizona State player selected by St. Louis since C Ryan Campos (4th round, 2024).
  • Was a teammate of Cardinals 2026 14th-round pick RHP Jaden Alba at Arizona State from 2025-26.
  • Son of David and Patricia Schaefer. Mother played collegiate basketball at Division II Lewis (Ill.) University.

Eighth round, 234th overall – Luke Harrison – P

University of Texas, graduate student
6’2, 220 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Friendswood, TX

Luke Harrison

Luke Harrison (University of Texas Athletics)

Harrison is unique as he played at Texas this spring as a graduate student. As a result, he is one of the older players drafted at 23.

This season at UT, Harrison made 16 starts and had three relief outings. His ERA was 4.10 and he walked 35 batters.

MLB Network draft commentators twice labeled Harrison as a “finesse lefty”. As far as I am concerned, 100 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings speaks to more than finesse.

Harrison reportedly has six pitches with his cutter his best secondary, along with a slider, curve and changeup (and two fastballs).

The pool amount for this pick is $241,000. His signing should be a cost-saver for the Cardinals.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Pete Parise

  • Is currently with USA Baseball National Collegiate Team and made a start today (5.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 SO) to earn the win in a 10-6 victory over Chinese Taipei at the World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan.
  • Made 19 appearances (16 starts) for the University of Texas in 2026, going 6-4 with 100 strikeouts in 83.1 IP.
  • Notched a career-high 11 strikeouts with 1 ER allowed on 2 hits across 5.2 IP in a 2-0 defeat June 16 during the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. Also pitched 2.0 innings in the College World Series as a freshman in 2022.
  • Underwent Tommy John surgery following his freshman year and missed the 2023 season.
  • Was teammates on the 2024 Longhorns squad with Cardinals 2026 4th round pick SS Dee Kennedy and Cardinals 2025 11th round pick INF Jalin Flores (2024 & 2025), and was on the same 2022 Texas pitching staff as Cardinals 2022 3rd round pick LHP Pete Hansen.
  • Won three state championships with Lutheran South Academy in Houston.
  • Son of Annette Harrison and Tom Dela Garza.

Ninth round, 264th overall – Jayden Lobliner – C

University of San Diego, senior
5’10/200 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: St. Charles, IL

Jayden Lobliner

Jayden Lobliner (University of San Diego Athletics)

Lobliner may have an unusual name, but it may be familiar to local fans, as he hails from St. Charles, IL.

He began his career at Kansas State but spent his junior and senior campaigns at San Diego.

Lobliner’s forte is his defense, as he has a plus arm and was recognized as the West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.

Lobliner played four seasons of summer ball, most recently slashing .156/.255/.289/.544 in 14 games for Elizabethton in 2025.

The right-handed batter showed some power in 2026 with 16 doubles, 10 home runs and slugging .539 in 51 games for the Toreros.

Lobliner was not ranked among BA’s top 400 or Pipeline’s top 250 draft prospects.

The pool amount for this pick is $210,600. As a senior, Lobliner’s signing bonus leverage is low.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Chris Rodriguez

  • Was a two-time West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2025-26), and his 16 attempted baserunners caught was the 2nd most in the WCC in 2025.
  • Named All-WCC Second Team in both 2025 and 2026.
  • Led the 2026 San Diego squad with 10 home runs, 111 total bases and 51 games played, and was T-1st with 16 doubles while batting .296 as a senior.
  • Played two seasons at Kansas State (2023-24) before transferring to San Diego for final two collegiate campaigns.
  • Played in the Appalachian League for three seasons with Bristol (2023) and Elizabethton (2024-25), as well as 15 games for Madison of the Northwoods League in 2023.
  • Was a teammate on the 2025 San Diego Toreros with Cardinals 2025 3rd round pick 1B Jack Gurevitch.
  • Is passionate about diet & nutrition in pursuit of sports performance & health improvements. Spends time learning about and practicing tools that can enhance his baseball abilities, such as breathwork and neurological training.
  • Son of Aaron and Ginger Lobliner.

10th round, 294th overall – Nick Bonn, P

Cal Poly, senior
6’1, 160 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA

Nick Bonn

Nick Bonn (Pepperdine University Athletics)

Slender at 6-foot-1, 160 pounds, Bonn was a starter in his second season at Pepperdine as a sophomore. He transferred to Dallas Baptist for his junior year and shifted to relief.

Bonn’s third collegiate stop was Cal Poly in 2026, where his 17 saves topped Division I. He struck out 50, walked 21 in 49 2/3 innings and posted an ERA of 3.44.

Bonn has a 95-97 mph fastball with a sweeper at 82-85 and a splitter.

The pool amount for this pick is $197,400. As the third straight senior/grad student to close out the top 10, Bonn should sign for a relatively low bonus, providing the Cardinals additional cost savings. It should be interesting to see how the extra cash is deployed.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Mike Garciaparra

  • Led all NCAA Division I hurlers in 2026 with 17 saves as a senior for the Cal Poly Mustangs.
  • Transferred from Dallas Baptist to Cal Poly for the 2026 season and made a team-high 28 relief appearances with a 3.44 ERA in 49.2 IP.
  • Was named to the 2026 Big West Championship All-Tournament Team along with Cardinals 2026 18th round draft pick Gabe Camacho (UC San Diego).
  • Made 15 relief outings for Dallas Baptist as a junior in 2025 after he transferred from Pepperdine, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons from 2023-24.
  • Named a Finalist for the 2026 NBCWA Stopper of the Year Award honoring the nation’s top relief pitcher, and to the 2026 Perfect Game All-American Third Team.
  • Trains in Muay Thai, wants to be a fish and game warden, and wants to train jiu jitsu.
  • Favorite baseball player was former Cardinals OF Peter Bourjos.
  • Enjoys watching UFC, going to the beach and eating sweets.
  • Son of Robert and Maria; has one brother, Will, who played baseball at Concordia University Irvine (Calif.).

11th round, 324th overall – Jacob Haley – P

University of South Alabama, junior
Height/wgt: 6-foot-3, 200 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Huntsville, AL

Jacob Haley

In his junior season in 2026, the right-handed pitcher (who also played briefly on the infield) made nine appearances in relief. Haley struck out 20 hitters across 14 2/3 innings pitched, a 12.7 K/9 rate. He walked just five and logged a 3.08 ERA for the Jaguars.

Haley had Tommy John surgery in 2022.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Keanan Lamb

  • Struck out 20 batters across 14.2 IP with a 3.07 ERA in 9 relief appearances as a senior at South Alabama in 2026.
  • Posted a 1.38 ERA in four appearances (2 starts) for the Orleans Firebirds in the 2026 Cape Cod League.
  • Notable Cardinals from the University of South Alabama include Brendan Donovan (2018 7th round) and David Freese.
  • Was a teammate with Cardinals 2026 15th round draft pick RHP Brian Gorman II from 2025-26 at South Alabama.
  • Son of Joseph and Monanca; has two siblings, Kenneth and Addilyn.

12th round, 354th overall – Drew Horn – P

Middle Tennessee State, junior
5’11/185 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Smyrna, TN

Drew Horn

Drew Horn (J.D. Elliott/MTSU Athletic Communications)

Horn had a 7.32 ERA in his 10 appearances (eight starts) during his senior season after posting a 1.75 ERA in eight starts in 2025. In 2026, he struck out 41 and walked 14 in 35 2/3 innings.

The right-hander’s career highlight occurred in 2025, when he threw a no-hitter with 13 strikeouts (see video below).

Horn started his college career with Walters State Community College in 2023 (redshirt) and 2024.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: TC Calhoun

  • Made eight starts in both of his seasons at Middle Tennessee State (2024-25), including a 1.75 ERA and a team-high 57 strikeouts in 46.1 IP as a redshirt sophomore.
  • Threw a 9.0-inning no-hitter with 13 strikeouts vs. Oakland University on March 9, 2025, to earn College Baseball Foundation co-Pitcher of the Week honors.
  • Was on the 2026 National Pitcher of the Year Watchlist and All-Conference USA Preseason Team, and the 2025 All-Conference USA Second Team.
  • Began his collegiate career at Walters State (Tenn.) Community College and appeared in 16 games as a redshirt freshman in 2024, posting a 3.25 ERA in 25 innings with a 14.04 K/9 rate.
  • Son of Randy and Terri Horn. Father played football at Middle Tennessee State, and grandfather, Larry Maxwell, played both baseball and basketball at Tennessee Tech.

13th round, 384th overall – Matthew Thomas – OF

Cal State Northridge, junior
6’3/205 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Garden Grove, CA

Matthew Thomas

Matthew Thomas (Chuck Morvel/Cal State Northridge Athletics)

Thomas began his collegiate years with two seasons at Cal.

He transferred to Cal State Northridge and had a breakout junior season. Thomas was a 40-40 man (runs and RBI), only the third in school history since 2010 and his 142 total bases were the most at the school since 2004.

Thomas received All-Big West First Team Honors in 2026. His nickname is “Chewy”.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Mike Garciaparra

  • Earned All-Big West First Team honors as a junior in 2026 at Cal State-Northridge.
  • Tied for the Big West lead with 21 doubles (T-28th in Division I) and a .679 slugging percentage across 53 games played in 2026.
  • Led the 2026 Matadors with a .335 batting average, 1.090 OPS, 70 hits, 47 runs scored, 22 walks and 142 total bases.
  • Transferred to Cal State-Northridge for the 2026 season after two seasons at University of California-Berkeley.
  • Nicknamed “Chewy,” and played football at Cypress (Calif.) High School.
  • Son of Stephanie and Milton Thomas, and has an older brother, Anthony, who played baseball at Colorado Christian University. Father, Milton, played football at San Diego State.

14th round, 414th overall – Jaden Alba – P

Arizona State University, junior
6’3/225 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Jaden Alba

Jaden Alba (Arizona State University Athletics)

Alba pitched three seasons for the Sun Devils of Arizona State. He was primarily a reliever in 2024 and 2026 and was usually a starter in 2025. His ERAs for the three seasons are: 7.36, 5.58 and 6.52, for a 6.20 collegiate average.

In 2026, the right-hander fanned 59 but issued 25 free passes in 49 2/3 innings. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Alba is larger than most other pitchers taken by the Cardinals in Day 2.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Matt Grangetto

  • Pitched at Arizona State for three seasons (2024-26) with 59 strikeouts in 49.2 innings as a junior in 2026.
  • Went 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in four outings (3 starts) for the Bourne Braves of the 2026 Cape Cod League.
  • Was a teammate of Cardinals 2026 7th round pick RHP Derek Schaefer at Arizona State from 2025-26, and Cardinals 2024 4th round pick C Ryan Campos in 2024.

15th round, 444th overall – Brian Garmon II – P

University of South Alabama, senior
6’2/215 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Cumming, GA

Brian Garmon II

Garmon began with two years at Georgia State followed by two springs with South Alabama. But his innings pitched at his latter stop with the Jaguars totaled under 20.

In his senior year, he made 13 relief appearances over 11 innings with a 4.09 ERA. In this very limited action, Garmon struck out eight and walked three. Hitters batted a collective .340 against his offerings. His 2025 ERA was 8.31, again in very limited action (8 2/3 innings).

Garmon competed in the 2026 MLB Draft League showcase with a 2.45 ERA, again in light work, 3 2/3 innings.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Keanan Lamb

  • Registered two saves in 13 relief outings for the Jaguars as a senior in 2026.
  • Pitched for Georgia State University from 2023-24 before transferring to South Alabama in 2025 for his final two collegiate seasons.
  • Was a teammate with Cardinals 2026 11th round draft pick RHP Jacob Haley from 2025-26 at South Alabama.
  • Tossed 3.0 scoreless innings across three relief appearances in 2026 for the West Virginia Black Bears of the MLB Draft League, where he was a teammate of Cardinals 2026 6th round draft pick SS Owen Henne.
  • Son of Brian and Lynn; has an older sister, Caitlin.
  • Enjoys hunting, snowboarding and fishing.

16th round, 474th overall – Dallis Moran – P

Stetson University, junior
6’1/185 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: St. Amant, LA

Dallis Moran

Despite having just finished his junior year, Moran is well traveled. The Louisiana native began in 2024 at Nicholls State then moved to Chipola College for 2025.

After pitching for Stetson University (Florida) in 2026, Moran committed to Kansas State for 2027. Perhaps he won’t end up joining the Wildcats.

In 28 innings in 20 appearances for the Hatters this season, Moran struck out 43 and walked 18 on his way to a 5.40 ERA.

Moran also pitched effectively in the MLB Draft League in 2026, with a 2.08 ERA over 10 appearances with 18 strikeouts against five walks in 13 innings. His velocity was reportedly reaching 96 mph.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Josh Lopez

  • Notched four saves with a 2.08 ERA in 10 relief appearances in 2026 for the Williamsport Crosscutters of the MLB Draft League.
  • Appeared in 20 games (1 start) with a 13.8 K/9 rate for Stetson (Fla.) University as a junior in 2026.
  • Pitched at Nicholls (La.) State University as a freshman in 2024 before he transferred for the 2025 season to Chipola (Fla.) College, where he made 16 appearances (3 starts) and posted 53 strikeouts in 42.2 innings.
  • Was selected for the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association Underclass All-State Games in 2022 while at St. Amant (La.) High School.
  • Committed to Kansas State University in June.
  • Son of Kayle and Rusty Moran; has one sister, Cheyenne.

17th round, 504th overall – Jacob Johnson – 3B

St. Mary’s College (CA), junior
6’1, 183 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Danville, CA

Jacob Johnson

Jacob Johnson (St. Mary’s College Athletics)

Johnson moved to St. Mary’s after transferring from Cuesta Junior College following the 2025 season. St. Mary’s was also the source of another third baseman drafted by the Cardinals long ago, Patrick Wisdom. However, while the Cards list Johnson as a third sacker, he was the Gaels’ designated hitter in 2026.

Johnson’s 2026 season was solid as he posted a .338 batting average on 71 hits including 15 doubles and 15 home runs. The latter was second most in the West Coast Conference.

Johnson (6-for-15) helped St. Mary’s take down no. 1 UCLA twice to eliminate the Bruins and make the program’s first ever NCAA regional final.

Following the season, Johnson was named to the ABCA All-West Region First Team.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2190202298218962

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Stacey Pettis

  • Batted .338/.428/.633 with a 1.061 OPS in 58 games in 2026 as a redshirt sophomore for St. Mary’s College of California.
  • Named to the 2026 American Baseball Coaches Association All-America Second Team and was an All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention.
  • Spent his 2025 season at Cuesta (Calif.) College and hit .346/.437/.585 with 30 RBI across 35 games as a redshirt freshman in 2025; was named to the 2025 All-Western State Conference First Team.
  • Redshirted his only season at Colorado School of Mines in 2024.

18th round, 534th overall – Gabe Camacho – OF

University of California San Diego, junior
6’1/220 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
Hometown: Encinitas, CA

Gabe Camacho

Gabe Camacho (Derrick Tuskan/UC San Diego)

Camacho began with the University of the Pacific in 2024, where he hit 10 home runs as a freshman. For Cal San Diego in 2025, he hit .307 and posted a 1.004 OPS.

That summer, he played in the wood bat Cape Cod League and found the going tougher. Camacho’s slash line of .253/.340/.286/.626 included just two extra base hits in 103 plate appearances.

Though the Cardinals list him as an outfielder, Camacho was exclusively the first baseman for Cal San Diego in 2026.

Though his slugging went up from .546 to .576 from 2025, his OPS dipped slightly to .979. Camacho was first in the Big West Conference in RBI (54), runs scored (51), home runs (16) and hit by pitches (27). His long-ball count set the school’s Division 1 record.

Among Camacho’s 2026 honors were spots on the Big West Championship All-Tournament Team and All Big West First Team.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DY24JB3Eumw/

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Chris Rodriguez

  • Set UC San Diego’s Division I single-season home run record with 16 homers in 2026, the most in the Big West Conference; also led the Big West in RBI (54), runs scored (51), home runs (16) and hit by pitch (27).
  • Was hit by 24 pitches as a sophomore in 2025, which ranked second in the Big West and 16th in NCAA Division I.
  • Smacked 10 home runs as a freshman at Pacific (Ore.) University, the most by a freshman in 2024 in the West Coast Conference.
  • Named All-Big West First Team in both 2025 and 2026 at UC San Diego, and West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team in 2025 at Pacific.
  • Was named to the 2026 Big West Championship All-Tournament Team along with Cardinals 2026 10th round draft pick Nick Bonn (Cal Poly).
  • Son of Stephanie and Adam; has four younger siblings. Recently lost a 17-year-old sister after an ATV accident in Utah.

19th round, 564th overall – Clayton Freshcorn – P

Texas A&M, junior
6’0/180 pounds
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Walker, TX

Clayton Freshcorn

Clayton Freshcorn (Texas A&M University Athletics)

As a junior in 2026, Freshcorn was an All-American as the Aggies’ closer with 12 saves. In 54 1/3 innings, he posted a 2.82 ERA to go with 56 strikeouts and just six walks.

He spent his freshman season at McLennan Community College (TX).

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Pete Parise

  • Struck out 56 batters against six walks through his 27 appearances (1 start) in 2026 as a junior at Texas A&M.
  • Converted a SEC-high 12 saves, that were the third most in Texas A&M history.
  • Named to the 2026 NCBWA All-America First Team, was a 2026 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalist and named All-SEC First Team.
  • Transferred to Texas A&M for the 2025 season after making 16 appearances (10 starts) in 2024 as a freshman at McClennan (Texas) Community College.

20th round, 594th overall – Kollin Ritchie – OF

Oklahoma State University – junior
6’2/228 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/R
Hometown: Atoka, OK

Kollin Ritchie

Ritchie was in this situation before, drafted by the Orioles in the 19th round in 2023 before attending Oklahoma State.

For 2026, he was expected to be taken in the first four rounds but was not. MLB Pipeline ranked Ritchie the 84th best prospect in the draft, while BA had him 110th.

The plus power is real as Ritchie went deep 31 times in 2026 (fourth in Division 1). He had 20 multi-RBI games and finished the year ranked in the top 12 nationally in home runs (31), total bases (185), runs (81), slugging percentage (.804) and RBIs (75).

He is a career .302/.432/.671/1.103 hitter with 53 home runs in 156 games, with a 20.7% strikeout rate and 14.5% walk rate.

The left-handed hitter’s bat speed is impressive as he posted a 107.9 mph 90th percentile exit velocity this spring. But he also has swing and miss tendencies, as do most power-over-average hitters.

Ritchie struggled in the Cape Cod League in 2024 and 2025, but it is likely a moot point.

He profiles as a corner outfielder as a professional but also has some experience at the infield corners and in center field.

While Ritchie had to be considered a huge longshot to sign, the very slim chances were squashed by the player on Sunday evening.

Still, if the Cardinals get stuck with a lot of excess money, they might try to change his mind prior to the July 27 signing deadline.

Update from Cardinals Media Relations

Signing Scout: Dirk Kinney                              MLB Draft Video: LINK

  • Ranked 4th in NCAA Division I with 31 home runs in 2026 as a junior at Oklahoma State University; also ranked 6th with 175 total bases, 7th with a .804 slugging percentage, T-7th with 81 runs scored and T-12th with 75 RBI.
  • Ranks T-8th in Oklahoma State history with 53 career home runs from 2024-26, while his 31 HR in 2026 were the second-most in program history, behind only Pete Incaviglia’s 48 HR in 1985.
  • Named a 2026 Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist and to the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings All-America First Team.
  • Selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 19th round of the 2023 MLB Draft but did not sign.
  • Played two seasons in the Cape Cod League from 2024-25.
  • Played baseball, basketball and football at Atoka (Okla.) High School.
  • Son of Shane and Laura Ritchie; has two siblings, Kyleigh and Konner.
  • Nickname is “Ritchie Rich” and favorite athlete is Ken Griffey Jr.

What is next?

Check back at The Cardinal Nation often as player signing information trickles in over the upcoming days.

Earlier article

Cardinals Lead with Trevor Condon on 2026 MLB Draft Day 1

Now available – 2026 Cardinals Prospect Guide

The Cardinal Nation Prospect Guide is back for its ninth year. It includes 275 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including over five dozen all-new player scouting reports by Kyle Reis. Order your PDF or spiral-bound printed book copy today.

All paid members can purchase our Prospect Guide PDF at 50% off. Thank you for your support of The Cardinal Nation!

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 2026 St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Guide

Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation

Florida Complex League Cardinals Notebook – 2026 Week 10

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.

Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian and The Cardinal Nation on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

© 2026 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.