As the second half of the MLB season nears, the St. Louis Cardinals generated a surge of excitement by selecting top star— the University of Tennessee’s strikeout leader — with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The move injected fresh optimism into a team eager for a new chapter, particularly on the mound. His selection not only offers hope for the future of the Cardinals’ pitching staff but also energizes a devoted fanbase hungry for young talent.
A 21-year-old lefty from Derry, New Hampshire, he capped his college career with an impressive 317 strikeouts across stints at Coastal Carolina, Ole Miss, and finally Tennessee. In his standout season with the Volunteers, he racked up 164 strikeouts over 95.2 innings—setting a program record under head coach Tony Vitello. His rapid ascent has made him one of the Cardinals’ most exciting pitching prospects in recent memory.
The Cardinals announced the pick during the All-Star break on national television, sparking widespread excitement among St. Louis fans. The team welcomed Doyle on X (formerly Twitter) with a message honoring his journey:
“From Derry, New Hampshire to the big leagues! Welcome home, Liam!”
A touching image accompanied the post, showing Doyle with his family at Busch Stadium, proudly donning Cardinals gear. The moment captured his determination and resilience.
The team also shared a series of Instagram photos highlighting Doyle’s first day with the club. The images showed him in full uniform—sporting the iconic white jersey and red cap—holding a baseball confidently toward the camera. Additional photos provided a behind-the-scenes look at his dugout demeanor and early bonding with the team, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the mindset and maturity of the promising young pitcher.
“New Hampshire ➡️ STL
Welcome home, Liam Doyle!”
Though Liam Doyle won’t see action on the mound for the Cardinals this season, his arrival signals a clear organizational shift toward long-term development and homegrown talent. The move has sparked a wave of enthusiasm across social media, with fans dubbing Doyle the “future ace” and praising the front office for investing in youth rather than short-term trade deadline solutions.
The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive—particularly given the Cardinals’ need for more strikeout-heavy arms. At Tennessee, Doyle led all Division I pitchers with an eye-popping 15.5 strikeouts per nine innings, earning SEC Pitcher of the Year honors. His dominant numbers align with fans’ high hopes, reinforcing the belief that he could anchor the rotation in the future.
What makes this pick stand out is the broader strategy behind it. While many teams are scrambling to land veteran arms ahead of the trade deadline, the Cardinals are clearly playing the long game. By choosing to develop talent like Doyle, they’re laying the groundwork for sustainable success. Even if he doesn’t pitch in 2025, Doyle has the tools and upside to become a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ rotation for years to come.