From 2006 through last season, the Cardinals selected 15 pitchers in the first round. Twelve reached the majors. A 13th was traded for slugger Brandon Moss. Two others, including Class AAA starter Jake Woodford and Griffin Roberts, who returns to Class A this week from suspension, are both expected to reach the majors, the team believes. One was released. In baseball, about 30 percent of first-round picks reach the majors. The Cardinals have been three times more successful with their first-round pitchers.
That challenge begins Monday as the 2019 MLB Draft starts at 5 p.m. St. Louis time.