Checking in on the 2017 Draft Class: Picks 1-3

Their punishment for the data breech involving the Astros and the loss of a compensation pick to the Cubs left the team without a selection until the third round. The Cardinals’ 2017 draft class is, nevertheless, worth taking a peek at, four months down the road.

St. Louis selected outfielder Scott Hurst with their first pick in the draft. The California State student played in 55 games with the State College Spikes after joining the organization. Hurst went on to slash .282/.354/.432 with a 136 wRC+ in 242 plate appearances for State College.

The Cardinals picked up shortstop Kramer Robertson in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Robertson, drafted out of Louisiana State, stole 10 bases and scored 34 runs in 54 games with the Peoria Chiefs. Robertson maintained a .270 batting average with a .336 wOBA in 242 trips to the dish this summer.

The final player we’ll look at today is infielder Zach Kirtley, who appeared in 51 games as a Spike after being selected in the fifth round. Kirtley, a Saint Mary’s alumni, had a 105 wRC+ across 223 plate appearances this season. Kirtley’s batting average was subpar - .223 - but his 30 walks boasted a .341 on-base percentage and led to him scoring 28 runs.

Kirtley also logged two putouts and an assist as he helped turn a triple play this season:

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All videos are credited to the official Minor League Baseball YouTube channel.