#23: St. Louis Cardinals
Nick: Forest Whitley, Right-Handed Pitcher, Alamo High School (Texas)
The Cardinals seem to draft well every year. This is because they have great scouting and a smart front office. Whitley is a top 15 talent in the draft, but falls to the Cardinals at #23. As usual the Cardinals find great talent late in the draft. The Cardinals always seems to have a pipeline of young, hard throwing pitchers coming up in the minors, Whitley will be their next quality pitching prospect. The Cardinals could use more young pitching in their system as their top pitching prospect Alex Reyes is close to the major leagues. Whitley will represent their next top pitching prospect for years to come.
David: Bryan Reynolds, Outfielder, Vanderbilt
It seems on regardless of the selection, the Cardinals turn out quality Major League players routinely. Reynolds, a switch hitting outfielder, is one of the best college hitters in the draft. He hit .330/.461/.603 at Vanderbilt this season. Last season was the first selection of a positional player since 2013, with the previous five all being pitchers. Going back to taking an outfielder who will be ready in roughly two years, and will be able to carry on the Cardinal Tradition of solid everyday players.
Next: Pirates second first round pick at #41