Acquired: Drafted 2021 (18th overall), UC-Santa Barbara
2021: 0-2, 9.39 ERA, 7 games (7 starts), 7 Ks, 7 2/3 IP, 2.09 WHIP (Rookie, Class A)
Scouting report: With their first pick in the latest draft, the Cardinals went straight out of their comfort zone to a proven pick. Like Dakota Hudson, Lance Lynn, Zac Gallen and Michael Wacha before him, McGreevy had the outstanding performance and consistent performance for a strong college program in a competitive conference. The Cardinals definitely have a type. McGreevy has the extra athleticism that could accelerate his rise – and his fastball. The field touches 96 mph, and as he gains experience and coaching, he’ll likely be sitting at 93-95 mph and hitting a curveball that Baseball America says is already the best in the organization. McGreevy went 9-2 with a 2.92 ERA his junior year at UC-Santa Barbara, and he had 10 strikeouts for every walk in 101 2/3 innings. The Cardinals rationed his workload in 2021. He’s had a quick start to the season with five innings lost for Class A Peoria in his first start. A collegiate pitcher who has mastered the hitting zone with multiple pitches, challenges batsmen, and has had two plus pitches tends to rise quickly.
Breaking news, features and the latest conversation about the St. Louis Cardinals.