The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for the 2026 MLB Draft with a strategic advantage, holding the 13th overall pick and six picks within the top 86 selections. This positions them to infuse their farm system with promising young talent when July rolls around.
As we dive into the draft landscape beyond the top five prospects, opinions begin to diverge. Factors like signability, potential, and team preferences-whether for high school or college players, bats or arms-mean draft boards can look wildly different.
While it’s early days for firm predictions, it’s an exciting time to consider some potential names the Cardinals might be eyeing for their 13th pick. MLB Pipeline recently spotlighted three prospects for Cardinals fans to keep an eye on.
OF Derek Curiel, LSU
Derek Curiel has emerged as a popular figure in Cardinals draft discussions, and it’s easy to see why. Recently turning 21, Curiel is in the midst of another standout season at LSU.
Serving as a key player in the lineup, Curiel is slashing .353/.431/.526 with six home runs, 46 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases across 58 games. A left-handed hitter, Curiel shows potential as a plus hitter, and there’s optimism among scouts that he could develop more in-game power as he continues to refine his skills.
RHP Cameron Flukey, Coastal Carolina
Cameron Flukey’s journey through this draft season has been a rollercoaster. Once considered a top 10 lock, a rib stress fracture has kept him off the field for much of the college season, leading to mixed reviews on his draft stock.
Despite this setback, Flukey remains highly regarded, ranked seventh by Baseball America and 13th by MLB Pipeline. While Jonathan Mayo’s mock draft projects him to the Cincinnati Reds at 18th overall, the Cardinals could consider him for their 13th pick.
Standing tall at 6’6″, Flukey brings the heat with a fastball averaging 95 mph and touching 98 mph. His arsenal includes a curveball, a gyro slider, and a change-up used primarily against left-handers. In his limited action this year, Flukey has posted a 4.35 ERA and struck out nearly a third of the batters he faced, showcasing why he’s a coveted arm in the draft.
OF/LHP Jared Grindlinger, Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS
Jared Grindlinger is a fascinating prospect, having reclassified to the 2026 class and just turning 17 as draft day approaches. At 6’3″, Grindlinger offers versatility as both a pitcher and a hitter, though the Cardinals might lean towards his potential as a position player. His youth and projectable frame make him an enticing option, with teams banking on his contact skills and the hope that he can add power as he matures.
Projected as a first baseman or corner outfielder, Grindlinger’s bat needs to deliver to justify the pick, making this a significant bet on the Cardinals’ development teams. If he pans out, Grindlinger could be a standout in this draft class.
On the mound, he boasts a fastball reaching the upper 90s, complemented by a slider and change-up with the potential to become above-average offerings. While he might not be the Cardinals’ target as a pitcher at 13th overall, his hitting profile and upside make him a compelling option.
As the draft approaches, the Cardinals’ decisions will be pivotal in shaping their future, and these prospects represent intriguing possibilities for their next wave of talent.
