Top Prospects Cardinals Might Pursue With No. 5 Draft Pick

The St. Louis Cardinals are staring down a rare shot to shake things up, making back-to-back appearances in the top 10 of the MLB Draft for the first time ever. With the No. 5 selection in 2025, right after picking at No. 7 in 2024, they’re set up to breathe some life into their farm system and maybe set the stage for a real turnaround.

Here’s a look at what fans might see as the draft gets underway July 13 in Atlanta.

Historic Opportunity for the Cardinals

The Cardinals have built their reputation on winning without always landing top draft picks. Now, they’re at a crossroads, holding their highest pick since 1998 and possibly their best chance in years to reshape their talent pipeline.

This new direction lines up with the front office’s push to focus on drafting and developing, hoping to recapture the magic that fueled their success in the last decade or so.

Challenges of a Weak Draft Class

Sure, those high picks are valuable, but this year’s draft is anything but straightforward. Scouting director Randy Flores has his work cut out for him, since most folks see this class as thin and unpredictable.

There aren’t many sure-thing stars on the board, so the Cardinals will have to lean hard on sharp scouting, smart analytics, and maybe a little gut instinct to find players who can actually make a difference.

Top Names Linked to the Cardinals

Who’s on the radar for that No. 5 pick? The Cardinals say they’ll go for the best talent available, not just plug a hole, but a few names keep popping up:

• Eli Willits: Just 17, this shortstop has real defensive chops and athleticism. He could turn into a cornerstone at a spot that’s always in demand.
• Jamie Arnold & Liam Doyle: Two lefties with a lot of upside. Either one could climb the system fast and help shore up the rotation.
• Kyson Witherspoon: Right-hander with a big arm and a deep arsenal. He’s got the stuff teams look for when they want to bolster pitching depth.

Ethan Holliday is the consensus top prospect, and honestly, he’s not expected to fall to No. 5. But if he does, the Cardinals would almost certainly grab him—his bat and pedigree are just too good to pass up.

Why the 2025 Draft Matters

The Cardinals are putting a lot on the line this year, with a bonus pool north of $14 million. They know this draft could be a turning point for the franchise.

Nail it, and suddenly the farm system looks a lot stronger. That’s the kind of move that can put them back in the hunt in the NL Central.

Drafting for the Future

There’s reason for hope, even if the 2025 draft class isn’t blowing anyone away right now. The Cardinals have rebuilt from within before, and with smart use of their big bonus pool, they can grab some building blocks for the next wave.

It’s probably a stretch to expect instant impact at the big-league level, but that’s not really the point. The organization is betting on long-term growth, sticking with the patient approach that’s worked for them in the past.

Looking Ahead

July 13 kicks off another pivotal chapter for the Cardinals. High-stakes decisions and a few thrilling prospects are waiting in the wings.

St. Louis might just chart a path back to dominance, one draft pick at a time. The 2025 MLB Draft isn’t just about picking players—it’s a statement about the Cardinals’ commitment to growth and patience.

Fans are waiting, probably a little anxious, to see what happens next. One thing’s for sure: This organization refuses to stand still in a constantly shifting baseball landscape.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB Draft primer: 5 names Cardinals could target with No. 5 pick