The St. Louis Cardinals selected right-handed pitcher Ethan Young from East Carolina University with the 150th overall pick in the fifth round. This selection adds a promising arm to the Cardinals’ farm system, addressing their ongoing need for pitching depth with a player who has shown potential at both the junior college and Division I levels.
Ethan Young, a native of Hickory, North Carolina, has taken a unique path to professional baseball. Before joining East Carolina University, Young made a name for himself at Catawba Valley Community College in 2024, where he appeared in 20 games out of the bullpen. His performance earned him All-Region 10 Second Team honors, highlighted by setting a program record at Catawba Valley. Young’s experience also includes a stint at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, showcasing his adaptability across different competitive environments. At East Carolina, Young continued to develop his skills, contributing to the Pirates’ pitching staff and catching the attention of Cardinals scouts.
Young, a right-handed reliever, brings a combination of experience and raw potential to the Cardinals’ organization.
The Cardinals’ farm system has been undergoing a transformation, with recent drafts emphasizing both high-ceiling prospects and players who can move quickly through the minors. Young’s experience at multiple collegiate levels suggests he could adapt swiftly to professional baseball, potentially contributing to the Cardinals’ bullpen in the near future. His selection in the fifth round reflects a balance of risk and reward, as the Cardinals aim to bolster their pitching depth without expending high draft capital.
