The St. Louis Cardinals have officially locked up their first-round selection from the 2026 MLB Draft, agreeing to terms with left-handed hitting center fielder Trevor Condon on a signing bonus of $5,161,300—coming in nearly $500,000 below the assigned slot value.
The 13th overall pick out of Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia, brings an exciting blend of tools and production to a Cardinals farm system focused on rebuilding and injecting athleticism. Condon, Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year, put up video game numbers in his senior season: a slash line of .504/.600/1.009 with nine home runs, 42 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases across 36 games. He helped lead the Eagles to a GHSA Class 6A state title.
Scouts rave about the 18-year-old’s elite speed (graded as high as 70 on the 20-80 scale), strong hit tool, plus arm, and impressive range in center field. He profiles as a true five-tool prospect with the instincts and makeup to develop into a high-impact player. Comparisons have been drawn to dynamic outfielders like Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs, highlighting his bat-to-ball skills, plate discipline, and game-changing speed.
By going under slot on Condon, the Cardinals gain valuable breathing room in their $16.6 million bonus pool. This approach follows a pattern of strategic spending, allowing them to be more aggressive with other early-round picks and undrafted or later-round talents who might require over-slot bonuses.
Cardinals scouting director Randy Flores and the front office expressed strong confidence in Condon after building a positive relationship during the pre-draft process. Condon himself sounded thrilled about joining the organization, calling it a dream scenario and expressing his excitement to get to work.
This signing bolsters an already intriguing group of young position players in the system. As a prep standout who was committed to Tennessee before the draft, Condon chose pro ball and now embarks on his professional journey. His combination of contact ability, speed, and defensive prowess gives him a high floor and exciting ceiling—exactly the type of athlete the Cardinals have targeted in recent drafts.
Expect Condon to begin his pro career in the lower levels of the Cardinals’ minor league system, likely in the Florida Complex League or at Low-A. With his advanced approach at the plate and elite athleticism, he could move quickly through the ranks if he continues to refine his power and consistency against better competition.
Welcome to the Cardinals family, Trevor Condon. #ForTheLou
