St. Louis Cardinals: The Best Draft Pick For Each Year Since 2010

Marco Gonzales, Left Handed Pitcher

Marco Gonzales is the standout of the 2013 draft for the St. Louis Cardinals despite missing all of last season due to a torn UCL. This draft has produced two players so far to make it to the majors.  Gonzales, the 19th-overall pick in the draft, and Mike Mayers who was taken in the third round.  This draft also produced Trey Nielsen in round thirty, who ranks as the 28th prospect in the organization.

Like so many others on this list, Gonzales was selected once before signing with the Cardinals in 2013.  His first time getting drafted was out of high school in round twenty-nine of the 2010 draft by the Colorado Rockies.  He did not sign, and went on to play at Gonzaga where he pitched and played first base.

It did not take long for Gonzales to play his way through the minors, making his debut for St. Louis in June of 2014 against the Rockies.  His debut went five innings where he gave up seven hits and five runs.  He went on to pitch in nine more games, starting four more, and ended with an ERA of 4.18.

The following season he appeared in one game at the major league level before tearing his UCL and going under the knife for Tommy John.  He is expected to be healthy and ready to go for the start of the 2017 season, with his rookie status still in tact.

While Gonzales features four pitches, he sticks primarily with his fastball and changeup.  His fastball does not have the glove-popping velocity, but he makes up for it with a changeup that is well above average.  His command of pitches, and ability to show the hitter a different look is what gives him success.  He threw his fastball 57.5 percent of the time in 2014.

As far as the Cardinals 2013 draft class goes, Gonzales is the top player for the moment.  It will be very important for his standing to come back strong after his elbow surgery.  Following the injuries to the lefties in the bullpen, Gonzales will have ample opportunity to shine.