The St. Louis Cardinals selected Penn State shortstop Ryan Weingartner with the 240th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Weingartner, a junior transfer from Saint Joseph’s University, brings a polished offensive profile, plus speed, and defensive reliability to the Cardinals’ organization.
Scouting Report: Ryan Weingartner, SS, Penn State
Background
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Position: Shortstop / Second Base
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Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 lbs
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Bats/Throws: Right/Right
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School: Penn State University (transferred from Saint Joseph’s University)
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Draft: 8th Round, 240th Overall, 2025 MLB Draft (St. Louis Cardinals)
Ryan Weingartner, a native of New Jersey, began his collegiate career at Saint Joseph’s University, where he played two seasons before transferring to Penn State for his junior year. At Saint Joseph’s, he earned Atlantic 10 All-Rookie honors in 2023 and was named first-team All-Atlantic 10 in 2024, posting a .316 batting average with 15 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases. His move to Penn State in 2024 saw him adapt to the competitive Big Ten Conference, where he set a program record with 30 stolen bases in a single season while maintaining a .398 career on-base percentage. Weingartner’s performance at the 2025 MLB Draft Combine, where he showcased an average exit velocity of 98 mph with a wooden bat, further elevated his draft stock.
Weingartner’s offensive game is defined by a mature approach at the plate, combining elite plate discipline with sneaky power. His 90th-percentile walk rate (28 walks vs. 23 strikeouts in 2025 at Penn State) and chase rate reflect a keen understanding of the strike zone, allowing him to draw walks while rarely swinging at bad pitches. His quick hands and excellent barrel control enable consistent contact, with a .251 batting average at Penn State in 2025, though his career average sits at a robust .319. Weingartner’s ability to use the entire field was evident in his opposite-field grand slam against USC in April 2025, a testament to his ability to drive pitches with authority.
While not a prolific home run hitter, Weingartner’s power output is respectable, with 11 home runs and 14 doubles in his lone season at Penn State. His 110 mph max exit velocity at the MLB Draft Combine suggests untapped power potential, particularly if he adds strength to his 5’11” frame. His pull-heavy approach is balanced by the ability to go to all fields when needed, making him a versatile hitter capable of adapting to professional pitching.
Weingartner’s defensive profile is a mixed bag, with his current abilities at shortstop showing promise but also raising questions about his long-term position. He started all 56 games at shortstop for Penn State in 2025, posting a .941 fielding percentage.
Weingartner’s plus speed is one of his standout attributes, making him a dynamic presence on the basepaths. His 30 stolen bases in 2025 set a Penn State single-season record and ranked among the top in Division I baseball, with only seven other players matching his combination of 11+ home runs and 30+ steals. His quickness not only enhances his offensive value but also adds range in the field, particularly on groundballs and in tracking down balls in the gap. This speed could make him a valuable asset in the Cardinals’ system, where baserunning aggression is often emphasized.
Weingartner projects as a potential everyday middle infielder with the upside to become a top-of-the-order hitter.
While Weingartner’s offensive profile is advanced, his transition to professional baseball will require adjustments. His .251 batting average at Penn State in 2025 was a dip from his .316 mark at Saint Joseph’s, suggesting potential challenges against higher-level pitching. Improving his consistency against velocity and offspeed pitches will be critical. Defensively, enhancing his range and arm strength could solidify his case to remain at shortstop, though a move to second base seems likely in the long term. Additionally, adding muscle to his frame could unlock more power, potentially elevating him from a contact-oriented hitter to a 15-20 home run threat.
