Is the Next NL Cy Young Award Winner in the Cardinals’ Draft Pick?
The St. Louis Cardinals have a history of producing top-notch pitchers, from Bob Gibson to Adam Wainwright. But have they struck gold once again with their latest draft pick? Many experts are speculating that the Cardinals may have just snagged a future NL Cy Young Award winner.
With the 19th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, the Cardinals selected left-handed pitcher Michael McGreevy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. And so far, he has been turning heads with his impressive performance in the minor leagues.
In his first start for the Cardinals’ High-A affiliate, the Peoria Chiefs, McGreevy threw five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out six batters. This dominant outing has only added to the hype surrounding the young pitcher.
But what makes McGreevy stand out from other draft picks? For one, he has a diverse arsenal of pitches, including a fastball that can reach up to 95 mph, a slider, and a changeup. He also has excellent control and command of his pitches, which is a crucial factor in becoming a successful pitcher in the major leagues.
But it’s not just his physical abilities that have caught the attention of scouts
St. Louis Cardinals Draft Tennessee Pitcher Liam Doyle with 5th Overall Pick
With the pressure on to find the next big star for their franchise, the St. Louis Cardinals made a wise decision by selecting Tennessee Volunteers pitcher Liam Doyle with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday evening.
Is Doyle the Next Spencer Strider?
But just how good is Doyle? According to ESPN, he may have what it takes to be compared to Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider. Strider, who finished second in the 2023 NL Cy Young Award voting, possesses a similar repertoire to the talented southpaw from Tennessee.
Impressive Stats and Potential
Doyle’s stats from his time with the Vols speak for themselves. With a record of 10-4 and an ERA of 3.20, he struck out an impressive 164 batters in just 95.2 innings. In fact, he finished second in Division I in strikeouts and first in K/9. This is a clear indication of his potential to dominate on the mound.
Doyle’s Arsenal
According to ESPN, Doyle’s fastball has been clocked in the mid-90s and has even reached 100 mph. This, combined with his ability to throw strikes and his fearlessness in pitching inside, makes him a formidable force on the mound. He also has a splitter and slider in his arsenal, making him a well-rounded pitcher.
Comparison to Strider
In fact, ESPN’s bio on Doyle reads, “Spencer Strider, if he was left-handed, but had real questions about his command, stamina, and delivery.” This is a proud comparison, especially as Strider is currently finding his form after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year. If Doyle can overcome any doubts and perform like the Braves’ talented pitcher, the sky is truly the limit for him.
