Cardinals Select Kentucky Pitcher Zack Thompson With 19th-Overall Pick in 2019 MLB Draft

The St. Louis Cardinals just drafted some rotational help. With the 19th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, the Cardinals selected Kentucky left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson.

Thompson was the best college pitcher left on the board for the Cards, so it made complete sense they went with the best available arm here. Thompson truly had a breakout year in his junior season at Kentucky, as he went 6-1 with a 2.40 ERA, and 130 strikeouts through 90 innings.

Thompson has the chance to get to the majors as fast as any other player, which is exactly what the Cardinals need with the team they've put together. He has a very nice four-pitch mix, with his fastball, slider, and curveball all being plus pitches, with his changeup being a decent offering. His three-quarters delivery is clean, and he has a good chance at being a frontline starter in the majors should he stay healthy, which has been a concern in the past.

This could be a very solid pick for the Cards, as they get a pitcher that will be able to join Jack Flaherty, Dakota Hudson, Miles Mikolas and Carlos Martinez sometime within the next two years. Congratulations, Mr. Thompson! Good luck in St. Louis.