The 2026 MLB Draft opened with a flurry of anticipation as the St. Louis Cardinals announced the 13th overall selection of Trevor Condon, a 5‑foot‑11 outfielder from Woodstock, Georgia. The pick carries a slot value of $5,661,300 and signals the team’s intent to bring the high‑school star directly into the professional ranks.
Condon’s senior season at Etowah High School was nothing short of dominant. He helped the team capture a 6A state championship while batting .504, hitting nine home runs, driving in 42 runs, collecting 17 doubles and stealing 15 bases in 36 games. The performance earned him the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year award.
Elite High School Career
Rankings from external scouting services underscored his status as one of the nation’s top prospects. MLB Pipeline placed him fifth among high school players and No. 13 overall, while ESPN ranked him No. 16. The outlet also drew a comparison between Condon’s tools and flair and those of former Vols standout Drew Gilbert, now with the San Francisco Giants.
Recruiting Journey
Condon originally committed to Miami as a 14‑year‑old in 2022, but in September 2024 he flipped his verbal pledge to the University of Tennessee, citing a desire to test his abilities at the next level sooner rather than later.
Draft Landscape
The Cardinals’ selection came just one spot after the Los Angeles Angels drafted two‑way prospect Jared Grindlinger at No. 12, making Condon the second Tennessee signee chosen in this year’s draft. The move reflects a broader trend of teams investing heavily in premium slot values, with St. Louis allotting $5.66 million to the pick.
Beyond the numbers, Condon offers a left‑handed bat and elite speed that scouts say could translate quickly to the minor leagues. His combination of contact hitting, power potential and aggressive baserunning positions him as a potential catalyst for a franchise seeking to accelerate its rebuild.