As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches—set for July 12-14, less than two months away—the St. Louis Cardinals are preparing to make their first selection with the 13th overall pick. With college and high school seasons winding down, it's the perfect time to preview who the Cardinals might target. But before diving into potential prospects, let's examine how Chaim Bloom, the team's President of Baseball Operations, approached drafts during his tenure in Boston. This could offer clues about St. Louis's strategy.
It's important to note that while Bloom sets the tone, the Cardinals' draft will be led by Zach Mortimer and Randy Flores. Still, Bloom's track record is revealing. In Boston, four of his top picks followed a pattern: two were clear "best player available" selections, while two were considered "reaches" for high school infielders signed to underslot deals. This approach freed up bonus pool money for overslot picks later in the draft.
In 2020, Bloom's first draft, the Red Sox surprised many by selecting high school second baseman Nick Yorke 17th overall—ranked 139th by MLB Pipeline at the time. Yorke signed for under slot value, allowing Boston to give Blaze Jordan over $1 million above slot. The pick was driven by data and metrics, not just scouting, reflecting a model-heavy approach.
The following year, with the fourth overall pick in 2021, Boston took Marcelo Mayer, the top-ranked prospect. This was a straightforward "best available" move, but it marked two consecutive high school infielders for the organization.
In 2022, the Red Sox doubled down, selecting high school infielder Mikey Romero 24th overall—another underslot signing that saved nearly $700,000. Those savings were used to sign Roman Anthony to an overslot deal later in the draft, a pattern that could influence how the Cardinals handle their 13th pick.
For St. Louis, this history suggests flexibility: they might target a high-upside high school talent who can be signed under slot, or they could go with the best player available. As draft day nears, keep an eye on players who fit Bloom's data-driven mold—especially infielders with strong analytical profiles. Whether the Cardinals follow Boston's blueprint or forge their own path, the 13th pick promises to be a pivotal moment for the franchise's future.