​The Sporting News first reported that Trevor Condon, the Cardinals’ first-round pick, was already drawing early comparisons to Pete Crow-Armstrong. The story noted that fans can add The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. With the 13th overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals grabbed a high-upside Georgia high school outfielder in Trevor Condon, a dynamic center fielder whose blend of elite speed, contact hitting ability, and advanced defensive instincts has prompted comparisons to one of baseball’s brightest young stars: Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Cardinals fans may not relish the Crow-Armstrong parallel, given the rival team’s uniform, but the comparison underscores the level of upside surrounding Condon. MLB Pipeline’s scouting profile emphasizes Condon’s exceptional speed, strong bat-to-ball skills, and the potential to impact the game on both sides of the ball. Those same traits have naturally drawn the Crow-Armstrong comparison, as Crow-Armstrong’s elite center-field defense and disruptive speed have established him as one of the NL’s most exciting young players. Like Crow-Armstrong, Condon covers substantial ground in center field, applies pressure on baserunners, and consistently makes solid contact.
Condon’s senior-season performance reinforces the upside he brings. The Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year hit an impressive .504 with nine home runs, 17 doubles, 42 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases, helping Etowah High School to another standout season. For an organization intent on increasing athleticism throughout its farm system, Condon checks almost every box the Cardinals prioritize.
The Cardinals were thrilled that Condon remained on the board at No. 13. Director of scouting Randy Flores explained that the team had grown increasingly comfortable with Condon during the pre-draft process to the point that they almost conducted a formal interview at all. “We just called him in, and we didn’t even interview him,” Flores said, describing their approach as they felt confident about getting to know him. “We just wanted 30 minutes to hang with him because we had already felt like we were at a good spot with getting to know who he was.” Condon echoed that sentiment about the process, noting, “Coming into it, I felt like I had a great relationship with the Cardinals. I’m very happy to be a Cardinal. I have a great relationship with most of the staff down there. I’m excited to get to meet everybody behind the scenes.”
Condon also projected confidence about the organization’s decision. “They made the right decision,” he said. “I’m so excited… Let me show you guys that when I get there.” The connection to Georgia with the Cardinals isn’t new for St. Louis. The last time the club used a first-round pick on a Georgia high school outfielder, it selected Jordan Walker in the 2020 MLB Draft. Walker developed into an All-Star and remains a central figure in the Cardinals’ lineup, a reminder of the potential impact a Georgia prep outfielder can have in St. Louis. The pairing of Condon’s speed, contact ability, and defensive prowess with the Cardinals’ developmental system could yield a player who makes an immediate impact at the major league level while continuing to grow into a cornerstone talent for years to come.