The St. Louis Cardinals have signed their first round draft pick (19th overall) in the 2018 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, third baseman Nolan Gorman, out of Sandra Day OâConnor High School in Phoenix, Ariz.
The University of Arizona signee has foregone his college playing career and will begin his professional career at Johnson City, the Cardinals rookie level affiliate in the Appalachian League.
Gorman, 18, arrived at Busch Stadium today to sign his contract and meet with members of the St. Louis Cardinals including players, coaches and front office staff. He worked out with the club and took batting practice before speaking with the media.
Gorman, 18, stands 6-foot-1, 210 lbs. and hails from Phoenix, Ariz. The left handed-hitting third baseman batted .419 (116-for-277) with 32 home runs, 118 RBI and 115 runs scored in his high school career. As a senior, he helped lead the Eagles to their first 6A State Championship, hitting .421 with 10 home runs, 46 walks, a .640 on-base percentage and .896 slugging percentage in 32 games. Gorman was showcased on all-star teams and for USA Baseball last summer, and won multiple home run derbies, including the 2017 MLB High School Home Run Derby during All-Star Week in Miami. He also took part in home run hitting contests at Wrigley Field and Petco Park.
Gorman is the highest selection for the Cardinals since 2013 when they took left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales from Gonzaga University with the 19th overall pick.
