The St. Louis Cardinals selected Tennessee right-handed pitcher Tanner Franklin with the No. 72 overall pick in the Competitive Balance Round B. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound flamethrower, known for his electrifying fastball that can reach up to 102 mph, is being hailed as a potential steal of the draft by analysts and fans alike. This selection, which reunited Franklin with his Tennessee teammate Liam Doyle (picked No. 5 overall by the Cardinals), underscores the organization’s renewed focus on high-upside pitching talent under scouting director Randy Flores.
Franklin, a Jefferson City, Tennessee native, transferred to the University of Tennessee for his junior season after two years at Kennesaw State. His lone season with the Volunteers showcased his raw potential as a reliever, though the Cardinals see him as a candidate to transition into a starting role. In 2025, Franklin made 27 appearances (one start) for Tennessee, posting a 4.89 ERA over 38.2 innings, with 52 strikeouts and just nine walks. His drastically improved walk rate—down from 20 percent at Kennesaw State to 6 percent at Tennessee—highlights the strides he made under coach Tony Vitello’s guidance.
MLB Pipeline graded Franklin’s fastball a 70, noting its “huge carry and some armside run” at 94-98 mph, with peaks at 102 mph, making it one of the most dominant pitches in college baseball. His cutter, averaging 90 mph and peaking at 93, earned a 50 grade but has room for refinement, as it doesn’t generate as many swings-and-misses as his fastball. Franklin rarely used his slider or changeup, both in the upper 80s, but the Cardinals’ new pitching development staff, led by director Matt Pierpont, believes they can unlock his full arsenal.
“Tanner Franklin is about as easy a 100-mph arm as you’re ever going to find,” Tony Vitello said. “It’s in an infant stage of development, but his competitiveness and raw stuff make him a project with massive upside.”
The Cardinals’ selection of Franklin reflects a shift in their draft philosophy, emphasizing high-velocity arms with developmental potential. After years of mid-to-late draft picks, the Cardinals are capitalizing on their high selections in 2024 (No. 7) and 2025 (No. 5) to rebuild their farm system. Franklin, ranked No. 106 by MLB Pipeline and No. 122 by Baseball America, was projected as a later pick, making his selection at No. 72 a calculated gamble. The slot value for the pick is approximately $1.15 million, providing a framework for Franklin’s signing bonus negotiations.
MLB Network analysts praised the pick, with some calling Franklin the “steal of the draft” due to his elite fastball and improved control. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with @theredbird_way declaring, “St. Louis, meet Tanner Franklin out of Tennessee. He throws a cool 101 🎯😮💨,” and @CBCJakeMck noting that Franklin “always felt like a guy that should’ve had more innings for Tennessee.”
The Cardinals plan to test Franklin as a starter, leveraging his big frame and “blowtorch” fastball to stretch his outings. This approach aligns with their hiring of Pierpont, formerly of the Seattle Mariners, who have excelled at developing high-upside pitchers like Bryan Woo. Franklin’s ability to maintain velocity over longer outings will be key, as his college role was primarily as a one- or two-inning reliever.
Jake Mckeever on X (formerly Twitter): “My steal of the draft is off the board at 72 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Tanner Franklin always felt like a guy that should’ve had more innings for Tennessee, but Tennessee just didn’t have enough outs to go around. pic.twitter.com/Bi3TjsmDiB / X”
My steal of the draft is off the board at 72 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Tanner Franklin always felt like a guy that should’ve had more innings for Tennessee, but Tennessee just didn’t have enough outs to go around. pic.twitter.com/Bi3TjsmDiB
Franklin is expected to begin his professional career in 2026, likely at the High-A or Double-A level, depending on his progress in instructional leagues and spring training. If he can harness his command and develop a reliable second pitch, he could follow a rapid ascent similar to other Tennessee draftees like Liam Doyle, who projects to reach the majors as early as mid-2026.
Cardinals Talk on X (formerly Twitter): “The Cardinals just got the steal of the draft at pick #72.St. Louis, meet Tanner Franklin out of Tennessee. He throws a cool 101 🎯😮💨 pic.twitter.com/8z4UlYGHS6 / X”
The Cardinals just got the steal of the draft at pick #72.St. Louis, meet Tanner Franklin out of Tennessee. He throws a cool 101 🎯😮💨 pic.twitter.com/8z4UlYGHS6
