The Cardinals concluded their 2024 draft by selecting several players who show great potential despite some imperfections. Among the highlights is Deniel Ortiz, a third baseman from Walters State Community College, picked in the 16th round. Ortiz has demonstrated impressive offensive numbers, boasting an OPS of 1.034 in summer leagues. Another key pick is Brandt Thompson, a right-handed pitcher from Missouri State, along with Christian Martin, a power-hitting second baseman from Virginia Tech. The team clearly prioritized acquiring players with notable skills, taking calculated risks on prospects with strong attributes and room for development.
By the Numbers
Deniel Ortiz recorded a .901 OPS and maintained a nearly even strikeout-to-walk ratio (28:23) during his summer ball performance. Brandt Thompson’s cutter was particularly effective in college, achieving a 27% miss rate and a 38% chase rate.
Yes, But
While Ortiz and Martin exhibit significant promise, both come with challenges. Ortiz’s defensive reliability remains a question, and Martin has struggled to consistently translate his raw power into game situations, which could hinder his progress at higher levels.
State of Play
The Cardinals have shown a focus on drafting players who excelled in summer leagues, aiming to balance the risks by selecting players with high potential. The next steps will involve evaluating how these prospects adapt to the professional level, which will be critical in determining their future roles.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Cardinals are expected to refine their player development strategies, with an emphasis on enhancing velocity and power in their recent draftees. Performances in rookie ball could offer more insight into these players’ long-term potential.
Bottom Line
By betting on high-upside players with intriguing abilities late in the draft, the Cardinals demonstrate a commitment to nurturing raw talent. This approach could pay off down the line as these prospects develop within the organization.
