The St. Louis Cardinals have quietly rewired their draft philosophy, steering away from conventional talent pools and toward a select group of pitchers whose fastballs buck the usual trends.
Why the Flattened Angle Matters
Data from the 2024 season, coupled with the arrival of new leadership, revealed that the organization was zeroing in on arms that could consistently hit the upper third of the strike zone, a zone where batters are most vulnerable.
The 2025 draft class reflected that shift, with nine of the twelve pitchers selected meeting a strict profile: an average fastball velocity of at least 91.0 mph and a vertical approach angle that sits on the flatter side of the spectrum.
Among those picks, three names have already begun to surface as potential cornerstones. Dawson Montesa brings a fastball that regularly sits in the mid‑90s, touching 98 mph, and a –3.8 VAA that keeps the ball perched high in the zone. Bo Rhudy, meanwhile, offers a slightly lower baseline velocity but an outlier angle of –4.24 VAA, while Drew Titsworth combines a 93‑94 mph fastball with a 13‑inch IVB and a release height that adds extra swing‑and‑miss potential.
The front office believes that by concentrating on these louder arms, the development staff can devote more time to polishing secondary pitches, turning raw velocity into a more complete weapon.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals are expected to keep the same aggressive stance in the 2026 draft, continuing to chase pitchers whose fastballs scream premium velocity and unusual shape.