Most St. Louis Cardinals fans are well aware that the team recently drafted a hard-throwing pitcher from the University of Tennessee.
With the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft, held July 13–14 in Cumberland, Georgia, the Cardinals selected 21-year-old left-hander Liam Doyle. Boasting a fastball that regularly sits in the mid-90s and touches triple digits, along with three secondary pitches that each grade out as plus, Doyle is expected to be on the fast track to St. Louis. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder made a brief but eye-opening professional debut late in the summer, striking out six across 3.2 innings split between Single-A Palm Beach and Double-A Springfield.
But Doyle wasn’t the only Tennessee arm to catch the Cardinals’ eye – and he wasn’t even the hardest-throwing one.
Third-Round Pick Tanner Franklin Boasts 102 mph Fastball
With their third-round selection (No. 72 overall), St. Louis grabbed Tanner Franklin, a 21-year-old right-hander whose fastball has been clocked as high as 102 mph. After two seasons at Kennesaw State, Franklin transferred to Tennessee, where he struck out 52 batters in 38.2 innings, primarily working out of the bullpen. Following the draft, he logged six innings across three outings – one for Palm Beach and two for High-A Peoria – striking out nine against five walks.
In a profile of the Cardinals’ 2025 draft class, Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo highlighted Franklin as the Cardinal with the best secondary pitch. His hard cutter, which averages around 90 mph, pairs with a biting mid-80s slider that could become a legitimate swing-and-miss weapon at higher levels. The combination of those two offerings gives Franklin the potential to develop into a late-inning force – perhaps even a future closer.
While those two Volunteers headlined St. Louis’ draft, the organization’s overall class was a picture of balance. Beyond the high-velocity arms, the Cardinals targeted athleticism, defensive reliability, and players with advanced feel for contact.
Cardinals' 2025 Draft Class Includes Speedy Defensive Standout From Hawaii
Second-round pick Ryan Mitchell, a 6-foot-2 outfielder known for his exceptional bat-to-ball skills, drew praise as the team’s best pure hitter. A standout from the 2024 showcase circuit, Mitchell’s compact swing and mature approach at the plate give him a chance to rise quickly through the system – with the added bonus of defensive versatility.
At the plate, Jack Gurevitch, the third baseman taken in the third round out of San Diego, was recognized as the best power hitter of the class. After hitting just 15 home runs in his first two college seasons, Gurevitch erupted for 17 in 2025 and could develop into a steady middle-of-the-order bat.
On the defensive side, Matthew Miura, a sixth-round outfielder from Hawaii, earned nods for both best defensive player and fastest runner. Miura committed just two errors in 255 career chances and swiped 37 bases during his collegiate career – the kind of steady, high-effort player who often becomes a fan favorite in the minors.
Even beyond the early rounds, the Cardinals found intrigue. Division II right-hander Jake Shelagowski (13th round) was cited as having the most intriguing background after converting from catcher to pitcher and setting a school saves record at Saginaw Valley State. Meanwhile, Jalin Flores, an 11th-round shortstop from Texas, was named the best late-round pick for his big arm, defensive instincts, and untapped raw power.
Altogether, this year’s draft class underscored a shift toward a more well-rounded developmental pipeline – a mix of top-end velocity, consistent contact hitters, and toolsy athletes who can impact the game in multiple ways.
And if Doyle and Franklin deliver on their promise, the Cardinals’ future on the mound could arrive sooner than anyone expects.