The St. Louis Cardinals made a bold and promising start to the 2025 MLB Draft, securing two high-upside talents who could shape the franchise’s future. With the 12th overall pick, the Cardinals selected standout Georgia high school shortstop Daniel Pierce, followed by the second-round selection of flame-throwing Tennessee right-hander AJ Russell — a combination of skill, athleticism, and long-term potential that reflects a forward-thinking approach in St. Louis.
Daniel Pierce Headlines Day One as Cardinals’ Infield of the Future
When the Cardinals went on the clock in the first round, they wasted no time grabbing Daniel Pierce, one of the most polished and explosive prep shortstops in the country. A consensus top-15 prospect, Pierce dazzled scouts all spring with his smooth glove, electric bat speed, and mature leadership. His combination of tools and on-field presence has already earned him comparisons to Bobby Witt Jr.
“We see Daniel as a true impact player,” said Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “He plays the game the right way, brings energy to every play, and has the type of upside that fits perfectly in a Cardinals uniform.”
Pierce is expected to immediately become one of the top prospects in the organization, and fans in St. Louis have every reason to be excited about what the future could hold at shortstop.
AJ Russell Adds Power and Potential to Cardinals’ Pitching Depth
In the second round (52nd overall), the Cardinals selected AJ Russell, a high-velocity right-hander from the University of Tennessee who turned heads with his stuff — and drew attention for his injury history. Russell missed most of 2024 due to internal brace surgery to repair a partially torn UCL, but bounced back with a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 2.70 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 70 innings.
His 70-grade fastball routinely touched the upper 90s, and he complements it with a sharp slider and a developing changeup. Scouts agree that if Russell can stay healthy, he has the upside of a frontline starter — and potentially one of the most electric arms in the Cardinals’ system.
“His talent is undeniable,” Mozeliak said. “There’s always some risk with pitchers, but the stuff, the competitiveness, and the ceiling with AJ made this a pick we had to make.”
A Draft That Signals Confidence in the Future
By drafting Daniel Pierce and AJ Russell, the Cardinals have added two high-impact prospects — one to lead the infield, the other to potentially anchor the rotation. It’s a clear signal that the organization is focused on building for long-term success while maintaining its tradition of homegrown excellence.
With their 2025 draft strategy, St. Louis has once again shown its commitment to elite player development, smart risk-taking, and positioning the franchise for another championship-contending core.
